Okay, this is a long one. The Muse that returned to help wouldn't shut up. After this chapter I am going back to first person pov. As my beta said, "I've let the gods write my story for long enough."  Again I apologize for the length. Hope you enjoy and some will respond. Or I'll send the Simi after ya!  Thanks Maggie! Thanks Luna!

 

Any characters you recognize belong to Sherrilyn Kenyon or Laurell K. Hamilton. I’m just doing this for fun. This is rated PG-13 to be safe.

 

Too Much (Nate’s Story Chapter 45)

 

Nathan woke up to an empty bed. He was used to that but it made him wonder if everything had been a dream. He wanted it to be. He just wasn't ready for the possibility of more attacks… not to mention who Acheron had sent to help.

 

Getting up, he walked across the hall to the bathroom and started the shower. The house was too quiet, especially now, with the number of residents it held. Letting the water run over his body, he wondered what the weeks ahead would hold. 'Weeks,’ he thought skeptically. He wasn't sure about the next few days.

 

Shower finished, Nathan went back to his room, pulled on a pair of gray sweats and went downstairs. Every light downstairs was on but there wasn't anybody home. He found a note on the television screen. “Took everyone out for a drive to try and get them used to some of the hot spots. I took the Viper. Roan.”

 

Sighing, Nathan walked into the kitchen. He was hungry, but for what, he wasn't sure. Opening the fridge he groaned. There were two beers, a half eaten ham sandwich and something green and fuzzy in a plastic bowl. He needed to go shopping. Trouble was he hated shopping. Nathan took the sandwich and the bowl of green fuzz and threw them in the trash.

 

Then he realized he couldn't go to the store since Roan had the car. Then again, the Ninja was in the garage. He could use that. 'And get what,' he wondered. Running a hand through his damp hair, he checked the cupboards… Not promising. He could go out but he really didn't want to.

 

Walking over to the phone on the wall he called Luigi's and put in an order for three large pizzas, an order of wings and a six pack of coke. With that done, he turned on the television and waited. It usually took about an hour so he was surprised when the doorbell rang after only twenty minutes. Frowning, he stood and started for the door. He suddenly had this feeling like electricity washing over his skin. He stopped and listened. He heard absolutely nothing on the other side of the door. Thinking maybe it was a short in the bell or something he slowed down. Then it rang again.

 

Reaching the door, he opened it cautiously. “Asher. Come on in.” The blond vampire walked through the door and waited for Nathan to close it. “What can I do for you?”

 

The vampire’s hair was a curtain concealing the scared half of his face. “Jean would like to meet with you. He wants to discuss a few things that have come up.”

 

“He couldn't call? When did he get back?” The hunter asked his guest.

 

“Late last evening,” the blonde explained.

 

Nathan nodded.  “Good. Maybe Blake will get off my back.”

 

“Anita was only worried about her people.”

 

“Whatever.” He sighed. “Well the Master is going to have to wait. I have pizza coming and I'm starved.”

 

Asher raised an eyebrow. “When can he expect you?”

 

The hunter frowned. “When I get there. I can't believe he sent you all the way over here to give me this message.”

 

“I believe he thought it would be good therapy for me. He still believes I care for you.”

 

Nathan didn't know what to say. The phone rang just then sparing him any comment. While he was trying to tell a telemarketer that he didn't want to buy any timeshare in Florida, Asher left. Nathan kept telling himself that it wasn't his problem. Yeah, then why did he feel so damned low?

 

When the pizza arrived, Nathan had a slice from each one before putting the rest in the fridge. The order of wings, he finished. They were just too good and spicy to sit in the fridge. He went up to his room and dressed for riding. Grabbing the leather jacket and helmet out of the closet, he ran back downstairs. Roan’s bike key was hanging on the hook by the garage door. Nathan stood there for a minute questioning his sanity before leaving for the Circus of the Damned to talk to Jean Claude. The hunter hoped he didn't regret his decision.

 

He pulled the motorcycle into the employee lot, parked it next to the building and killed the engine. He sat there on the bike for a few minutes trying to shake the chill running up and down his spine. Nathan pulled off the helmet, hooking it to the bike. The plan was to see what the Master wanted and go back home. It was a simple enough plan, but with him it was always the simple ones that fell apart. Getting off the bike, Nathan walked over to the employees’ entrance and knocked loudly. After a few minutes he thought that he'd have to go around front. In fact he had started that way, when the door opened and Jason stepped out. The blond gave Nathan an annoyed look then motioned for him to follow.

 

“Not working tonight,” the hunter asked. He noticed the stripper was in jeans and a tee shirt.

 

“Later. The others are warming them up for me.” He winked.

 

“Uh huh. Lead on.”

 

The wolf grinned. “Still no map, huh?”

 

The older man shook his head. “Don't want one. I'm here to see Jean Claude and then I'm out of here.”

 

Jason started to say something but thought better of it and led Nathan to Jean Claude's office. The Master of the City was behind his desk signing papers. Nathan sat down in a chair opposite him as Jason left the room. Jean Claude looked up from the papers and watched the hunter for a moment before pushing the paperwork aside.

 

Nathan noticed a tinge of color in the master’s cheeks so he asked, “How was your vacation?”

 

“Intriguing… I was introduced to some of your overlords.”

 

Nathan laughed. “Never quite heard the pantheon put that way. So what did you want to see me about?”

 

The vampire looked surprised before his facial mask fell back into place. “Did Asher not tell you?”

 

“Asher doesn't say much to me.”

 

The master sighed. He stood and moved around to the front of the large oak desk and sat on a corner.

 

“We believe that cooperation between our two worlds would be in the best interest of all concerned. I would like for you to train some of my people to fight these daimons.”

 

The hunter shook his head. “No. We don't need the dead weight... um the liability. We would be too busy trying to keep your people safe.”

 

Jean Claude nodded as if he expected the reply. “That is what your Acheron said as well.”

 

“Damn, we don't agree on much.”

 

“He was overruled,” the vampire told him curtly.

 

“I am not going to baby-sit.” The younger man hedged.

 

“It has been decided,” Mist announced as she shimmered in beside Jean Claude.

 

Nathan turned to the goddess. “And who is he going to sacrifice?” Turning back to the master he asked, “Which one of your people, do you think the least of?”

 

The cold mask in place the vampire conceded, “All of my people are important to me, but to keep them and the people of this city safe, we will fight.”

 

Nathan looked from Jean Claude to Mist and back to the master. “Does that mean you? Asher? Marshall Blake?” The master went still. “Exactly.”

 

He shrugged. “My people are more in tune with the city.”

 

“Your people don't deserve to be used as cannon fodder and sending more hunters and shifters won't solve the problem.” The hunter turned from the vampire to the goddess at the end.

 

“We are only taking precautions.” Mist bristled.

 

“Precautions that wouldn't be necessary if I hadn't been sent here,” the hunter reminded her.

 

The goddess smiled sadly. “You can not change what has happened.”

 

“No, but the pantheon can. They can find out who is helping the daimons time jump and shut them down,” Nathan ground out.

 

“We are trying,” the woman sighed.

 

“Try harder!” Nathan snapped back.

 

Mist frowned at the man. “Watch your tone hunter.”

 

“Unbelievable,” The man walked out the door, slamming it.

 

Jean Claude shrugged at his exit. “He is young and how do you say... hotheaded.”
 

“Yes he is. He will come to his senses.” Mist assured him.

 

“My offer still stands.”

 

She smiled at him. “Good. Now, you promised me a tour. Yes?”

 

“Yes.” He offered his arm, which she took. “I think you will find it very entertaining.”

 

Nathan was walking the halls of the circus ranting to himself about gods, vampires and stupid ideas. He turned a corner and almost collided with a woman in almost as much of a pissed off mood as he was. Stepping back, Nathan looked down at an Asian woman. Her skin was pale and her shiny black hair reminded him of a raven's feathers. She had delicate features, but he felt that under that soft exterior was a tiger. She wore a leather jumpsuit that looked like it would burst at the seams if he touched it.

 

“Ah, Asher's pet.”

 

He growled. “I am no one's pet.”

 

“My apologies,” She offered as she walked around him.

 

“Wait.” He caught up to her taking hold of her arm to slow her down. The enforcer turned and slammed Nathan into the wall. She held him there effortlessly. “Sheesh, touch me not, much.”

 

“Be glad you still have a hand,” she ground out.

 

“All I want is directions to the exit.” He admitted.

 

“So you are lost?” When he nodded she told him. “I will escort you to the exit.”

 

“Thank you.”

 

“If you will give me something in return,” she continued ignoring his thanks.

 

“And what would that be?”

 

There was a speculative gleam in her eyes as she explained, “An hour or two of your time. You see I am bored. And no one wants to play.”

 

“Maybe you should change games,” the hunter offered.

 

“I was thinking of a new playmate.” She relaxed her grip and his boots touched the floor. “Are you up for the challenge?”

 

His mind said no, but he couldn't think why. “Sure why the hell not.” She smiled and it sent shivers down his spine. “Lead the way. Um...”

 

“I am Meng Die.”

 

He followed her up one flight of stairs. 'At least it's up', he thought. They walked down a hallway almost to the end and stopped in front of a heavy steel door. She produced a key from somewhere and unlocked the door pushing it open with a bit of effort. Meng Die walked inside and motioned for the hunter to follow. The room was filled with ancient swords and fighting knives. Nathan had never seen such a large collection. He walked over to one wall and retrieved a pair of Tantos. They were small knives used for close in fighting in small areas. The edges were sharp and made of a high grade steel.

 

“These aren't replicas. How old,” the hunter asked.

 

“They are from 514 A.D.”

 

“You aren't that old. Family,” He asked as he removed his leather jacket, dropping it to the floor.

 

“Yes.” She answered while wonder why was she telling a stranger things she never spoke of. “You have trained in the arts?”

 

“Some.” He returned the knives to their place on the wall and picked up a Wakizashi. “Sweet.” The sword, a smaller cousin of the Katana, was used for fighting in small rooms. The Samurai wore these inside instead of the longer blades. Easier to fight with in confined spaces. “This is a nice one.” He told her noting it had a ebony hilt with gold inlay.

 

“Yes it is.” She was pleased to have a conversation with someone who actually knew the weapons. “Also handed down to me.”

 

Nathan made slicing motions through the air as if testing the weight and balance of the sword. He then looked up at her with a grin. “Wanna play?”

 

She laughed and it startled her. “What shall we fight for?”

 

“I'm sure we can come up with an appropriate prize.”

 

“I'm sure.” She chose another Wakizashi, a red one. “Shall we begin?”

 

They bowed to one another and the battle was on. It didn't take long for the first blood to be drawn and it was no surprise that it was Nathan's. It was a minor slice across his upper arm. He shrugged it off and the fight continued. He made a lunge for her midsection, but Meng Die used this to her advantage. She nimbly catapulted herself over her opponent, landing behind him. Nathan turned in time to dodge a thrust that would have been deadly to any mortal. After a while they switched to the Tantos for some up close and personal play. A couple of hours and several changes in weapons, the two ended up in a heap on the floor exhausted. Meng Die’s head rested on Nathan's chest. He was breathing hard from their workout. If vampires actually needed to breathe, Meng Die was sure she would be panting as well.

 

Sitting up she gazed down at him. There were several cuts on his arms and stomach. The blood smelled intoxicating.

 

She couldn’t resist asking. “May I?” He opened his eyes slightly. “May I taste you?”

 

He smiled. “Well you didn't kill me. I suppose I can trust you to... taste me. Go ahead.”

 

She began to lick the blood from each wound. When there was no more blood, she straddled him. “I choose you as my prize.”

 

He opened his eyes again. “Who said you won?”

 

“I say.” She bared her fangs and sank them into his neck. He hissed at the initial pain but instead of pushing her away, Nathan locked his arms around her waist and rode it out.

 

An hour before dawn, they moved to one of the guest rooms. He promised to protect her as she died in his arms as the sun rose. He fell asleep soon after, dreaming of ancient Japan, ninjas and samurai, and battle.

 

Just before nightfall Nathan woke sore and bruised. His arms were still around the cool lifeless form of the Asian vampire. Her lithe frame hid the fact that she was a coiled weapon. The soreness of his muscles and joints bared witness to that fact. Meng Die took a shuddering breath, signaling her life force had returned to her. She turned in his arms to face him.

 

The look was more fearful than feral as she said, “You stayed with me.”

 

“I keep my promises.”

 

She thought for a moment before answering. “That is refreshing.”

 

“You need to feed.” He bared his throat. “Go ahead.”

 

“You offer yourself so freely?”

 

“Like I said last night, you didn't kill me, so...”

 

He never finished that statement. Meng Die struck and they spent an hour longer in bed before the two finally got feet on the floor.

 

“Want to go for a ride,” Nathan offered.

 

“Isn't that what we were doing?” He laughed and so did she in spite of herself. “I would like a bath first.” She stood and offered her hand. “Join me?”

 

“Sure.”

 

After a long bath, they dressed in the clothing they had worn the night before and were ready to leave the building, when Jean Claude called out to her. 'Bring the hunter with you as well.'

 

Meng Die turned to the hunter. “We are summoned.” He frowned. “The Master would like to see us.”

 

“He knows I'm still here?”

 

She shrugged. “Of course he does. He is the Master of the City after all.”

 

“After all…” he sighed.

 

They walked toward Jean Claude's office. Meng Die navigating the halls like a pro. Once outside the office door, she smiled, just before the door opened. She walked in, leaving him to follow. He almost turned and left when he saw the assembled guests. It seemed the leader of every shifter group was there, as well as Asher and Luna. The one he least expected to see was Acheron. His leader was standing with his back to a wall with Mist beside him. Acheron gave Nathan an agitated look. The dark hunter knew that look. Acheron was not happy to be there. Nathan walked in and the door closed.

 

He took a position on the other side of Acheron and to his surprise, Meng Die stood beside him. Nathan looked around the room, his eyes finally falling on Asher. The blond stood like stone even with Luna in such close proximity. She rolled her eyes and looked away.

 

“I believe she is jealous,” Meng Die whispered. She knew very well that everyone heard the comment.

 

“In your dreams,” Luna growled. Micah sighed. “What?”

 

“I believe you have been reprimanded,” Asher offered.

 

Jean Claude interrupted before she could respond. “Shall we begin?”

 

“I'll begin by saying this is a bad idea,” the hunter offered.

 

“I second,” Acheron offered from beside him.

 

“I'll be the third vote,” Anita’s voice suddenly cut through the silence.

 

Everyone looked at the petite woman standing in the doorway. Behind her was the wolf king himself.

 

The master turned to the pair. “Please come in, Ma Petite. Richard. We were about to begin.”

 

“Make it quick Jean Claude. I have better things to do besides playing nice.” Richard looked directly at Nathan.

 

The hunter glared back. “Oh woof.”

 

Richard growled and launched himself at Nathan. Acheron threw up a shield that knocked the wolf king on his butt. The whole room erupted.

 

“Enough!” Mist commanded. She turned to Nathan. “I have had enough of your childishness. This is serious.”

 

The hunter turned to her. “You want serious? Serious is when we have to bury the innocent, because they can't fight. Serious is when whoever is chosen for us to train, dies.”

 

The goddess began, “Zeus...”

 

“Zeus doesn't give a damn about anything but getting a foothold in this world… More lives for them to screw with.” The hunter interrupted her. Acheron was in his head, 'Be careful Nathan.' He barely heard his boss as he continued. “Who are you willing to lose?” He studied the faces. He turned to Richard and Anita. “Who Ulfric? Who Ms. Blake?”

 

Meng Die offered. “I will fight.”

 

“So will I,” Luna chimed in on her heels.

 

Micah nodded. “I will fight beside you.”

 

Anita glared at the man. “No you won't.”

 

He didn’t back down. “It is my choice.”

 

Nathan sighed. “I appreciate that, Nimir Raj but you are too important to the pards.”

 

Acheron agreed. “He's right. You must be willing to lose the ones you choose.”

 

“We must protect our people.” Jean Claude responded.

 

Nathan’s boss told them, “I will bring more hunters.”

 

The female necromancer bristled. “There are too many of your people here already. I will not allow more.”

 

Mist looked surprised. “You will not allow?”

 

She nodded. “That's right.” She pointed to Nathan. “He has done nothing but cause derision since he has been here.”

 

Asher shook his head. “That is not completely true Anita. He has brought some of us closer together.”

 

Jean Claude agreed. “Yes and has won our respect.”

 

“Respect,” Richard asked incredulously. “You had him tortured.”

 

The master shrugged. “I was foolish. I feared the unknown. If you could see what I have seen...”

 

“How do you know it isn't an illusion meant to take us off guard,” the Ulfric asked.

 

Mist turned to the wolf “I assure you, we are no threat.”

 

Nathan frowned. “Don't make assurances for me.”

 

Acheron sighed. “Let's get this done.” Then he shuddered. “I need to go.” That said, he flashed out.

 

“Nice trick. Where is he?” Anita asked looking at the spot where the man had stood.

 

The hunter shrugged. “Olympus probably.” He turned to Jean Claude. “Draw up your list but I have final say.”

 

“Agreed,” he nodded.

 

Richard chimed in. “I'll make it short. None of my wolves will participate.”

 

Asher turned to the man. “And when your wolves start disappearing?”

 

“None had better disappear,” the wolf king answered with his eyes on Nathan.

 

The hunter bristled. “I don't take threats lightly Ulfric and I owe you a lot of discomfort.”

 

Meng Die touched his hand as Asher offered. “Calme, Mon Chasseur.”

 

Anita nodded next to Richard. “None of the leopards will be fighting either.”

 

Micah turned to his lover. “You can not choose for mine Anita.”

 

She frowned. “Your leopards are mine Micah.”

 

Nathan could feel Micah's power on his skin. He knew the others could as well.

 

The leopard king told his queen, “I will be sure to choose the ones that you value the least, the ones you refuse to give a chance.”

 

“I give the ones that deserve it a second chance, Micah.” She sighed.

 

“Everybody deserves a second chance.” Nathan told her. He looked at Micah. “Noah has fought with me before. He knows what to look for.” Micah nodded smiling. “One other, your choice.”

 

The Nimir Raj nodded. “Caleb then. He needs a chance to prove himself.”

 

“I will make sure to include them on the list,” Jean Claude assured them.

 

The hunter shrugged. “They are my personal choices. It doesn't matter if they're on the list. I'll also take Meng Die.” The Asian smiled. “If that is alright Jean Claude?”

 

The master inclined his head in assent. “Oui, she is a good choice.”

 

The Asian vamp nodded her thanks as the Nathan added, “And if she wants to, I'd like to include Luna.”

 

“No. Not Luna.” Anita barked out. Luna made a sound low in her throat as the Leopard Queen turned to her. “You are one of mine and I say no.”

 

Nathan looked from one woman to the other. “Are these people considered family to you Blake? Or property?”

 

The necromancer frowned at him. “They are...”

 

Nathan's cell rang allowing him to ignore her reply. He answered walking out of the room for privacy. “Myra? Hey how are you?”

 

“I'm worried,” came from the other end of the line.

 

“About?”

 

“I overheard this conversation,” she explained.

 

“Tell me.”

 

He was so intent on what Myra had to tell him that he didn't notice that Asher and Luna had joined him. He thanked Myra for the information and hung up.

 

“What's wrong,” Luna asked.

 

The hunter sighed. “Myra overheard Callie on the phone.” Both of them frowned as he added, “the one who took my car and managed to piss off the cops.”

 

Asher nodded. “Ah yes… The tattooed wonder.”

 

Nathan laughed as the leopard asked, “What happened?”

 

The hunter ignored her as he looked back to the room. “Are you sure Mist is okay in there?”

 

“Jean will not let anything happen to her. What was this conversation about,” the vampire inquired.

 

“Myra overheard Callie talking to someone about me. She told them that I was there all day, because I slept in the daytime… Because I'm a vampire.”

 

Luna looked surprised. “She's still trying to get back at you because of a ticket?”

 

The hunter shrugged. “Evidently… Mitch is looking for a new place.”

 

The leopard nodded thoughtfully. “Maybe you should warn the others. They might want to be extra careful.”

 

Nathan agreed. “Yeah. Keep Mist out of trouble.” He started off down the hall.

 

“I'll show you out,” Luna offered before he could get lost. They walked to the exit together. “We all need to talk.”

 

The hunter looked at her. “We? As in?”

 

“You, Asher, and myself.”

 

“I'll think about it.” He hedged.

 

“You can't just walk away from us.”

 

“There is no us. There's you and Asher. And then there's me. No us.” The hunter told her.

 

They reached the door and Nathan walked out. Before he started up the bike, he called Roan and told the wolf to meet him at the Lunatic Cafe. Roan told him that he was already there and so were the others. Satisfied, Nathan put on the helmet, started the bike and headed off to the college district. Once there, he ordered a sandwich and a brew before he and the others headed to one of the other rooms to talk. Nathan told the others what Myra had told him and about the meeting with Acheron, Mist and the master's people.

 

Zdenek shook his head. “No one ever has proven the gods to be intelligent.”

 

Nathan laughed, and Kade asked, “We have to train their people to fight the daimons?”

 

He nodded. “Yep.”

 

Kade frowned. “Insane.”

 

“For once I agree with the cat.” Roan chimed in. “Do they realize that this could get their people killed?”

 

Nathan shrugged. “Ash and I were over ruled. We won't be getting any help from the wolves. The Ulfric won't allow it. Blake doesn't want any of the leopards to fight but Micah has offered us two from the Man Eater’s Clan.”

 

Roxie looked surprised. “They call their people that?”

 

The wolf explained. “Remember it's different here. I bet Blake didn't like that.”

 

“No she didn't,” the young hunter offered.

 

Zdenek eyed him critically. “Nathaniel, you and I both know that this is not good.”

 

Nathan nodded. “You guys just be careful the next few days. Mitch is looking for us a bigger place.”

 

Roxie decided a change of subjects would be good for the tension in the room. “When are you going to take us to Guilty Pleasures?”

 

“Not us. You. I prefer to watch women shed their clothing.” Kade offered.

 

Zdenek’s mind meanwhile was on business as he interrupted any possible reply. “When do we start patrolling?”

 

“Ash didn't say but I'm sure it will be soon. Getting antsy?” Nathan asked.

 

“Actually, I am enjoying the peace,” Zdenek showed a rare smile.

 

Nathan grinned at him.

 

Roan shook his head. “We need more vehicles.”

 

The young hunter nodded. “I know. I'll have Mitch look into it.” Kendra brought his food. “Thanks Mouse.”

 

She smiled. “Welcome. Anything else you need?” Roan gave her a look. “Behave.”

 

The wolf confessed. “It's so very hard around you.” She giggled and walked out.

 

“She is very pretty, Roan.” Roxie smiled.

 

“Yeah she is,” he agreed.

 

Kade looked in the direction she had left. “Be a shame to have to leave her behind when we go back.”

 

Roan shook his head. “I'm not going back.” With that, he stood and left.

 

Zdenek looked from the retreating wolf to the other dark hunter. “Is that allowed?”

 

Nathan shrugged. “I've never doubted Vane's people when it comes to resolve.”

 

“You doubt us,” Kade asked.

 

Roxie sighed. “He didn't say that.”

 

The other cat frowned. “He didn't have to.”

 

Nathan was about to reply when his cell rang. He didn't recognize the number. “Hello?”

 

'Don't go home,' was all that was said before the line went dead.

 

“Weird,” Nathan looked at his phone as if it would explain itself.

 

Zdenek noticed his confusion. “What is wrong?”

 

“He just said, ‘Don't go home.’”

 

They all frowned as Roxie asked. “Who was it?”

 

“Didn't recognize the number.”

 

The female cat rolled her eyes. “Just call the number back.” Nathan viewed and called the last number.  “Well?”

 

“It's disconnected. Sit tight.” He stood and so did they.

 

Kade shook his head. “Hell no. We all go.”

 

Nathan tried to stop them. “If it's a trap...”

 

“Then we all fall in.” the male cat offered.

 

Zdenek told his friend. “We do not have time to argue Nathaniel.”

 

The other hunter sighed. “Fine.”

 

They started to leave. Roan on discovering what was up, kissed Kendra on the cheek and told her he'd be back. The wolf took his bike. Nathan and the others left in the Viper. When they arrived at the condo, the police were there. The place had been broken into and ransacked. Apparently a neighbor had called the police. Nathan talked to the lead officer. Forensics was on the way so no one was being allowed into the house.

 

Nathan asked the cop at the scene. “Do you know who called?”

 

Officer Downs shook his head. “It was an anonymous tip.”

 

The hunter ran a hand through his hair. “Okay thanks. I guess we'll have to find another place to stay for a few days.”

 

“We,” the cop asked.

 

He nodded. “Yeah, I have a couple of roommates.”

 

“Are they vampires too?” Nathan frowned at the question. “I thought, given the graffiti inside…”

 

Taking a deep breath before the anger got the best of him, Nathan let it out slowly. “I'm not a freakin' vampire. I'm a deejay. I work the overnight shift. I sleep most of the day.”

 

The cop looked surprised. “I'm sorry sir. I shouldn't have presumed.”

 

“Nathan,” Mai’s voice asked. He turned toward her. She was as beautiful as ever. “Are you alright?”

 

“Yeah. Evidently, my place isn't.” He explained pointing at the place.

 

Officer Downs interrupted to tell him, “If you'll give me a number to reach you sir, I'll let you know when you can get into your place.”

 

The hunter looked from the obvious destruction to the cop. “How are we going to keep out looters?”

 

“We'll have someone board it up for you.” He offered.

 

“Okay,” the hunter sighed and gave Downs his cell number. Then he and Mai joined the others.

 

Nathan introduced Mai to the newcomers.

 

Kade looked from the house to the hunter. “Where are we going to stay?”

 

“Hotel I guess,” the hunter shrugged.

 

Roan shook his head. “I can stay with Kendra.”

 

The male cat frowned. “That does not help us wolf.”

 

“It may be a good idea if you stay with the master's people, at the Circus.” Mai offered.

 

The cat bristled. “I am not sleeping in a tent.”

 

Nathan started laughing until Kade gave him a look. “Like I said, a hotel.”

 

“What about the light?” Mai reminded him. “You and Zdenek need to be careful of the sun.”

 

The younger hunter shrugged. “I'll make sure to keep the blinds closed.”

 

Mai began, “Nathan...”

 

“I am not exposing them to the District. Not yet anyway,” he firmly told her.

 

She sighed. “Very well.”

 

Mitch came walking through the crowd and Nathan told him, “We need a couple of suites. Secure.”

 

The manager nodded. “I'll make a call.”

 

“How'd you find out,” the hunter asked.

 

His radio station boss shrugged. “I'm your emergency contact. The police called the landlord. He called me.”

 

“Was it Callie who gave them the info,” Nathan wanted to know.

 

“I'm looking into it.” Mitch offered. He got on his cell and made a call. “Gary? Mitch. I need two of your most secure suites.” The conversation lasted about five minutes. “Thanks.” He hung up and turned to his employee. “Done.”

 

“Thanks.”

 

The man nodded. “You can follow me when you're ready.”

 

Roan shook his head. “I'm going back to the cafe. I'll call you later.”

 

Nathan turned to the wolf. “Be careful.” Roan nodded before heading off.

 

Mai turned to the manager. “Mitch, they should stay with Jean Claude.”

 

He sighed. “I'm not so sure about that Mai. There are people there who don't like Nathan.”

 

Roxie frowned at the woman. “Why are you so adamant that we stay there?”

 

Mai glared at her. “Adamant? That's a big word for you katagari.”

 

Roxie growled low and menacing. Before she could do anything Nathan announced, “We're leaving now.” He pulled the cat toward the car. Zdenek and Kade followed.

 

Mitch shook his head at the retreating quartet. “You'll never learn Mai. You can't belittle everyone.”

 

Mitch led the others to the St. Louis Sheraton. He had arranged to have two large penthouse suites ready for them. Nathan and Zdenek took control of the key cards. Each room had two queen size beds with a huge closet. The bathrooms were large and both had a large tub with a Jacuzzi.

 

Mitch took Nathan aside for a moment, while the other three settled in. “I may have found you a new place. The guy wants to sell.”

 

The hunter nodded. “Okay. We're going to need a couple more vehicles.”

 

“Any particular type?”

 

Nathan ran a hand through his hair. “How much is in my account?” Mitch quirked a brow as the hunter asked, “How is that being handled anyway?”

 

Mitch smiled. “You're very comfortable financially… Stocks, savings, Swiss accounts… That's why you have the Platinum card.”

 

“Oh, well since you put it that way...” His phone rang cutting him off. “Hello?”

 

“Will you be back,” the voice asked from the other end.

 

“I was thinking about bringing a friend to Guilty Pleasures.” Nathan told him.

 

“It will be an honor to meet your friend.”

 

“Okay See you soon.” The hunter said then hung up.

 

Mitch asked, “Asher?” Nathan nodded. “He cares a lot for you.”

 

The young hunter sighed. “It's the blood I think. Everybody says mine has some kind of extra kick to it.”

 

“Really? I wouldn't know.”

 

The hunter looked at his manager. “Why don't I believe that?”

 

“I'll find another car,” he offered then walked toward the elevator.

 

“One of these days I'm going to know the truth.” Nathan called after him.

 

“Which version,” he turned to ask before he got on the elevator and was gone.

 

Nathan went back inside his suite. It was decided that Zdenek and Kade would share a room. That left Roxie in his suite. Nathan checked his watch. It was 2200 hours.

 

The younger hunter told the other men, “You guys order what you want from room service. I'm going take Roxie to Guilty Pleasures. Do either of you want to go?”

 

Zdenek shook his head. “I think I will pass.”

 

“You already know what I think,” Kade scoffed.

 

Nathan nodded. “Remember if you go out without the card you can't get back in.”

 

The male cat bristled. “We aren't children, hunter.”

 

Nathan raised an eyebrow, asking “Are you sure about that, Kade?”

 

“Would you like to find out?”

 

Roxie interrupted the duo, “Come on Nathan. I want to have some fun before sunrise.”

 

“Let's go then.”

 

He put the card key in his pocket and the two left.

 

They arrived at Guilty Pleasures by 10:30. The line was long, but Buzz was on the door as usual and motioned for them to come up to the door. He and Nathan talked for a few minutes before the line got noisy and Buzz decided to let them through. Nathan handed over his knives and cross to the holy items check girl. He was surprised when Roxie handed over her cross and two boot knives.

 

Nathan felt Asher then, just a whisper in his head. One of the black shirted security guys walked over. Nathan sighed when he realized it was Tongue Stud. He was to escort them to their table which was down front. It felt familiar especially since the act on stage was the same skinny vamp that Nathan saw his first time to the club… the time everything started going downhill.

 

There was more than lust in the air. There was a high amount of tension as well. Nathan scanned the room, but didn't see anything out of the ordinary. Then again what was ordinary here could get you killed at home. He felt Asher move up behind him and had an eerie sense of deja vu.

 

“Why are you so tense young one,” the vampire asked. “No one will harm you here.”

 

Nathan frowned as he thought, “Oh yeah. Here we go again.”