Okay. Again I am
having some fun with this. I just like Mist. It's the eyes. Uh huh. Once again
thanks to my fab Beta. Especially for working in the addendum. You are sooo
cool. She even knew what the title meant. So without further....
Actually the night didn't start off that badly. I talked to Myra
for a bit while the news was on. We
were discussing all the hype of the new Star Wars movie coming out. I wasn't a
big Star
Wars fan. I had liked the original though.
Then she had told me that there were rumors going around the
District that Asher and Jean Claude were at odds, that it had to do with
me. I told her to ask Asher because I
had no idea what the hell was going on.
Maybe she should ask Richard. I was sure he knew everything. She walked
away shaking her head. Mine was starting to ache; you know that feeling when
it's just on the edge.
I set up for the first hour and thought about what to do about
this bond between Asher and myself. I should just talk to Acheron, tell him
what had happened and beg for mercy. Mai had said he wouldn't kill me, but the
big guy could sure as hell hurt me. A lot.
Either way I was screwed.
Everybody seemingly in the know about my purpose here weren't
shedding any light on it. I felt like a
fish out of water, or maybe better put a Dark Hunter off of Bourbon
Street.
I should just do my job go home, lock my door and block out
everything else. Right. I took off the headphones and checked the phone banks.
All of the lights were on including the in-house one.
I answered that line first. “This is Nathan, What's up?” I
listened to Ralph explain that I had two visitors on the way up, marshals. “You
mean as in law enforcement?” He answered yes. “Did they say why they were
here?” No was the answer. Then he asked if I needed him to come up. “No. I'll
be okay. Thanks Ralph.” I hung up.
I wasn't sure what to do. I knew I wasn't in trouble with the
local cops. Hell I wasn't in trouble anywhere. I put my headphones back on,
continued with the show and waited. It wouldn't take long if they took the
elevator.
I told my listeners. “This is 93X your adult alternative station.
Hey I know you know that. But we have to please the FCC. I'm gonna start a long
block of music then take some requests. So bear with me. Here's Slipknot.
Duality.”
I took the headphones off and turned to face whatever or whoever
was there. I would have laughed if it
just weren't so damn irritating. Standing there was Anita Blake and the damn
Master of the City. She was in dark
slacks with a jacket to match over a blue blouse. He had on black slacks and a
blue dinner jacket. To anyone else he would have looked normal; yeah to any one
else he would. I stepped out of the
control room and almost growled out a greeting. Zarek would have been proud.
“What can I do for ya?” I managed to ask.
Ms Blake smiled grimly. “You can start by staying away from
Asher.”
I shrugged. “I've tried.”
She stared at me. “Try harder Mr. Elliott or I will arrest you.”
“Arrest me for what?”
She pursed her lips. “I can think of a lot of things.”
I sighed. “All extremely illegal I imagine.”
Jean Claude piped in then. “You are causing problems for my
second. He is becoming distracted to the point of being unruly.”
I couldn’t stop the grin. “Asher? Unruly? Are we talking about the
same vampire here?”
“This is not a laughing matter!” The master vampire snapped.
I shook my head. “Do you see me laughing? Look, this is all because you two wouldn't
believe what I was telling you. I did tell you everything in my power to. Then you two sick the wolf king and his pack
on me to get info that you already had. So let's see. I have been shot by one
of your people, and clawed by several. Shouldn't I be the one pissed here?”
“Why not just leave?” The woman asked.
“I wish it were that simple.
Look I need to get back to work. Show yourselves out.” I turned toward
the control room.
Ms Blake called out. “Stay away from my people Mr. Elliott or find
yourself in jail.”
I gave her the finger and kept walking. I checked how far along the block of music was and then took some
requests. Instead of calling, Mai showed up around ten with food and drink,
buffalo chicken wings and beer.
I looked from the food to her. “Planning on staying awhile?”
“Why are you so agitated?” She asked so I told her about my
visitors. She sighed. “Asher has others he can feed from. You need to stay away from him.”
“I know. I don't think it's going to be that easy though.”
“You have to try.”
I shook my head. “Maybe you guys should have picked somebody else
for this job. What the hell is it I'm supposed to be here for anyway?”
“I can't...”
“I know. You can't tell me. Well I'm getting tired of being in the
dark. The void is starting to look better by the minute.”
She stood. “Maybe coming here was a mistake. I'll talk to you
tomorrow.”
“Don't bother. Until you people let me in on what I'm doing here,
leave me alone.”
Mai left and I went back to the show. I was getting tired of being
played with, one faction with one set of rules and one with another. Since I
was here in this dimension, I needed to play by their rules. The Pantheon be
damned. I needed a change, a new apartment maybe. Yeah, that would give me
something to do.
I slipped the headphones back over my ears. “Hey this is 93X KNSX.
After the news we're gonna play some trivia. So for those of you that are
semi-conscious be ready. I'll see you in about ten minutes.”
I cued up the news and a set of ads with a song from Nickelback to
follow. I turned around to head out the door and almost walked into a vision.
Well she had to be. She had long black hair with skin that was just the right
tone. You know the kind, creamy and smooth. She stood about five foot seven and
wore a long green dress that looked like it was made of silk.
Yet, it was the eyes that floored me. They glowed white. I knew
then who she was. And that I was not supposed to be able to see her, let alone
be in the same room with her. Mist. The mother of most of the Dream Hunters was
standing in front of me, a consort of the Gods. I sure as hell was no God.
Which meant one of two things. I was hallucinating, or I was dead, or going to
be. Okay those were three things. You try to think straight with a Goddess
staring at you. I stood there dumbfounded. She reached out and took my hand. I
didn't burst into flame. That was good.
I asked her. “You do know that we aren't supposed to be in the
same room, let alone touch?”
She smiled. “Do you think I care about rules?”
“Why are you here?”
“I want to learn more of this world. I want to meet your
vampires.”
I shook my head. “They aren't my vampires and if I did that, I know
Acheron would kill me.”
“Acheron will not harm you. I promise you this. All you need to do
is call me.”
“They sleep during the day like I do.”
“I know. I will be ready when it is time.” She leaned in and
kissed me. “Sleep well Hunter.”
Then she vanished. I thought okay. Somebody is playing some cosmic
joke on me or there was something in the water. I shook my head trying to clear
it and checked the time I had left before I had to get back on air. The song by
Nickelback had just started. So I ran down the hall for a potty break, grabbed
a Coke and a bag of chips and made it back just in time. Maybe the rest of the
night would go more smoothly.
Nathaniel called. He asked if he could bring Jason over the next
time he came by to feed the fish. I was going to tell him what Blake had said
but didn't want to tell him that he wasn't welcome. I liked Nathaniel. It was
fun talking to him. I told him to be careful, that Blake was mad at me. He
seemed to pause at that but decided he could handle it. He wanted to hear
Seether. So I cued it up. Time would tell.
The rest of the night into morning went fine, no interruptions. I
got home just as the sun was rising. I could feel the heat. Yep, I was back to
hating the sunlight.
Sometimes I envied Kyrian and the ones who had their souls
returned to them. I wouldn't mind being able to enjoy a day at the beach or the
park. Still, that would mean finding my soul mate. I just wasn't ready for that
yet. I wasn't even sure there was anyone out there.
I fell asleep thinking about Mist and the consequences of her
visiting the District. She said she wouldn't let Acheron harm me but the Gods
were a wishy-washy bunch.
Tuesday night I asked Mitch for Saturday night off, told him I had
a meeting to go to. He didn't press the issue, only asked if I could take
Douglas' shift on Monday. I told him sure. I could sleep on the couch in the
break room until my next shift. I couldn't be out in the light anymore.
He gave me a strange look. “So you're becoming a normal Hunter
again.”
“If that's normal. Yeah. I guess.”
“So what's this meeting about?”
He finally asked.
“I joined a mythology discussion group. They meet one Saturday a
month, this Saturday.” He frowned then nodded. “Thanks.”
“Ralph said that you had a visit from a couple of Marshals last
night.”
I sighed. “Is Anita Blake a real Marshal?”
“Yeah. She's a legal executioner for the feds, for preternatural
cases.”
“Wonderful.”
“I told you to stay away from the District.” He scolded.
“I haven't been back since I was attacked. Thanks for the night
off.”
I left the office, grabbed a coke and went to the control room to
start my shift. I was going to take Mist to the District to meet Asher. I know
it sounded crazy but you don't defy a Goddess, especially one that can control
your dreams.
I was hoping that she would forget all about little old me as well
as the District, but when Saturday rolled around I figured what the hell. So I
called her name. When nothing happened, I breathed a sigh of relief. The
feeling was short lived. She appeared in a long white dress. Her hair was in a
braid down her back. She was beautiful but way overdressed for the District.
I hesitantly asked. “You have anything a little less formal?” She
looked at me like
I was speaking a foreign language. “Different clothes.”
“You mean like the females here wear?” I nodded. “Of course, I do
need to fit in.” She flashed herself into a pair of blue jeans that looked as
if they had been poured on and a red baby doll tee. She gave me a smile that
would melt butter. “Better?”
“Works for me.”
“I can tell.” She closed the distance between us, sliding her hand
down my chest.
I stepped back and tried to slow my heartbeat. “Let's go before
Hypnos puts me to sleep for good.”
She laughed but followed me out to the Viper. She wasn't happy
about the seatbelt, but hey I didn't need a ticket. I wasn't about to break any
laws. That was just asking for Marshal Blake to get a warrant.
Mist sat quietly on the drive to the District. I wasn't sure if
she was enjoying the view of the city at night or plotting. Mythology says that
Mist had bore thousands of children and left them to be taken care of by their
fathers or her handmaidens. I guess she was the classic deadbeat mom. Of course
I wouldn't say that to her face. Bet you wouldn't either.
There was a long line as usual. Mist was amused at all of the
stares she was getting from the men waiting with their dates. Buzz caught my
eye and motioned for me to come up front. I told Mist I would be back, but she
took my hand as if to say 'I go where you go'. So we walked up to stand in
front of Buzz together.
“Damn dude. I didn't know you had it in ya.” The vampire
exclaimed, as he looked Mist up and down. “You know I'm not supposed to let you
in here.”
“She wants to meet Asher.” I told him.
“And who is she?”
Mist looked at him dead on. “Why I am the pleasure of his dreams.
I chase away his nightmares. I am the keeper of his soul.”
All right, that threw me. Figuring she was just trying for effect,
I let it go.
Buzz turned to me. “You carrying?”
I shook my head. “Nope. I'll let your guys search me if you want.”
He pointed at my companion. “What about her?”
I looked from Mist to Buzz. “Where is she gonna put a weapon?”
He grinned, showing a bit of fang. “You have a point. Okay. Go on
in but stay out of trouble.”
I shrugged. “I don't go looking for it.”
He shook his head. “You don't have to. I'll send the boss word
that you're here.”
“Thanks.” I told him. He nodded.
We walked inside with Mist still holding my hand. She was in a
different world. I think she was a bit nervous. There was a guy on stage with
short blond hair, wearing black leather pants and boots. He was slithering
about a pole center stage. The women were screaming and throwing money up on
stage. Remnants of a black shirt lay near the edge of it.
She told me. “This is just the sort of place that Dionysus would
love.”
“I'm sure.” She looked at me amusement showing on her face.
“What?”
“You really don't like us. Do you?” She sounded surprised.
“I never had to deal with the Gods until now. The only time I was
even close to one, I was hit with a lightning bolt and sent here. You're the
only one I've actually talked to, except Julian, oh and Zarek.” She turned back
to the stage. “You want to watch for a bit?”
“I will not behave like a mortal female. I have plenty of men that
will do the same for me in private.” She made a sweeping movement with her arm.
“This is too much like the Circus.”
I confided. “They have one of those down here too. So I've been
told.”
A voice behind me added, “It has three rings and even a tent.” We
both turned to see Nathaniel. He was grinning until he saw Mist. He sort of
backed up.
I reassured him. “It's okay Nathaniel. This is Mist. She's from
Olympus.” His eyes widened. “She won't hurt you.”
He didn’t look too sure. “But the stories…”
Mist frowned and looked at me. “And just what have you been
telling him Hunter?”
I explained to the shifter, “Mist is one of the Pantheon.” There
was a collective whoop from the crowd. We turned to see that the blond stripper
was now down to a G-string.
Nathaniel noticed our gaze. “Jason knows how to whip them up.”
I asked him. “You working tonight?”
He grinned. “A little later. I'm here to escort you downstairs.”
“You do that?” She motioned toward the stage. He nodded.
I told her. “You should see his Roman Centurion act. Lead the way
Nathaniel.” I turned to Mist. “Stay right with me.”
She looked amused. “Is that an order?”
I shrugged. “I could make it one.”
Mist countered. “I could flash you to the center of all those
women and strip you of your clothes.”
“You could?” The leopard asked her. She smiled sweetly at him. He
looked at me and laughed. “Hmmmm…” I could see the mischief in his eyes.
“Please don't.” I quickly asked.
“Maybe later.” The stripper was still grinning.
“It would be my pleasure.” She replied.
Nathaniel led us through the door next to the bar and down the
stairs. Memories flooded back to the last time I was here. Well I had started
out here. Actually I had ended up here too, after a very painful side trip. We
went through one long hall, down two flights of stairs, then down another hall.
You remember the maze I'm sure. We ended up in front of Asher's office door.
“Has he fed?” I asked the shifter.
He nodded. “Yes. Even
though he knew you were coming. Jean Claude makes sure that someone is here.”
Mist asked, “Jean Claude?”
I explained to her. “He's like Zeus for the vampires here.”
Nathaniel told us. “I need to get back upstairs. Nice to have met
you Mist.”
“And you as well.” She leaned in and whispered something.
He looked at me and grinned. “I will.” He turned and walked down
the hall.
“What did you say to him?” I turned to Mist.
She asked, “Why so curious?”
I started to answer but the door to Asher's office opened as if on
cue. He was in a pair of gray slacks with a dark gray shirt tucked in. His eyes
were bluer than I remembered. He walked over to me and ran a finger down my
cheek. I shivered, a sigh escaping my lips.
“I have missed you.” He told me.
“I was told to stay away from you. I don't want you punished.” I
told him. He nodded curtly. “This is Mist. She's from my world. She wanted to
meet you.”
Asher turned and bowed slightly. “You are one of his Goddesses?”
Mist smiled. “I am a consort to the Gods of sleep. You are one of
his vampires.”
I sighed. “He isn't my vampire.”
“He is a vampire? Yes?” She asked.
I nodded. “Yes, but he doesn't belong to anyone. He's my friend.”
She raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure that's all he is?
“It is all that I am allowed to be.” Asher told her. I stared at
him as he asked her, “Why did you want to meet me?”
“I was curious why this Hunter would risk his life to defend you,
someone he would kill in his own world.” She looked from one of us to the
other.
I told her. “The vampires here are different. They don't live on
human souls. They live beside the mortals. They aren't afraid to interact with
them. They don't sit on a throne in Olympus playing with us like toys.”
She frowned at that. “Be careful with your tone Hunter or I will
allow the Skoti run of your dreams.”
“They do already! Why should this night be any different?” I
snapped.
Asher walked up behind me wrapping his arms around me. “Calm
yourself. You do not have to defend me here.”
Mist nodded. “He does not have to defend you at all. Yet, he feels
that need.”
Asher quietly explained. “We are bound by blood. Do you not defend
your people? What of your children?”
I scoffed. “Mist doesn't care for her children. She passes them on
to others. She doesn't even pay child support.”
“You are not amusing.” There was a bit of anger in her tone.
I grinned. “Sure I am. You just don't know what's funny.”
She looked from my face to Asher’s. “I would like to talk to your
vampire in private.”
I shook my head. “He's not my vampire and besides I don't trust
you.”
Asher gave me a gentle hug before releasing his grip. “I will be
fine Mon Ami. Remember this is my home.”
“No. I don't trust her.” I wasn’t moving.
Mist sighed. “You don't trust any of us.”
“And your point is?” I asked.
“I do not suffer children well.” She snapped.
With one wave of her hand I was no longer in Asher's office. I was
center stage at Guilty Pleasures, handcuffed to that pole.
Nathaniel had this really wicked grin on his face. “Mist said that
you would play.”
“Mist says a lot of things. Now undo these cuffs.” I told him.
“I promise not to hit you too hard.” With that statement he pulled
from behind his back a Cat'- O'-Nine-tails. The women gasped.
I growled. “You hit me with that and you'll never see those damn
goldfish again.”
His eyes widened. “You'd really kill my fish?”
I wanted to say yes. Like I said before, I just can't be a jerk.
“No. You know I wouldn't.”
He smiled. “Thank you.”
From the shadows a figure appeared. Nathaniel stiffened. As soon
as he stepped into the light I knew why.
“Seems our kitty has found a new toy.” Jean Claude smiled showing
a lot of fang. He reached out lightning fast, grabbing a handful of my shirt
and pulled. Another one bites the dust. If this kept up I was going to have to
buy a whole new wardrobe. “Let play time begin.”
The women went crazy. It so sucked to be me.