The training command center of Bravata stands as a bastion of preparation and resilience. It is here that we gather, Ali, Gin, and I, along with Gin's father, Alister, a seasoned warrior and strategist who had witnessed the ever-changing tides of the Bravata. Our meeting is shrouded in secrecy, as we delve into the intricate and perilous task of capturing and neutralizing Ren.The room is awash in the glow of dimmed lanterns, casting flickering shadows that dance upon the stone walls. The map of Bravata and its surrounding lands lay spread out on a large oak table, marked with pins and notes that signify the movements and alliances of our enemies.Ali's eyes are filled with determination, her features illuminated by the soft light, and Gin, holds an air of calm authority. Alister, with his weathered visage and a keen mind forged through years of experience, offers a sense of wisdom and stability.As I take a seat at the table, my mind is focused on the task at hand. We have decided to
Seven Years Old“The world for the concealed is changing. Danger leers from every corner for our kind. The ones meant to help protect us seem to be turning on us and further intel is needed. Intel that unfortunately only you and Ali can aquire.” The man before me pauses as a look of regret and concern passes across his harsh eyes that even a seven year old like myself can see. “She must be protected at all costs Gin. Nothing can harm her in any way, physical or emotional. She is the heir to the Bratva. It’s your job to make sure she is safe from all things while also making sure she follows our plans. She is needed more than you know. The future of the family will depend on it.” I watch him as we sit side by side on the iron bench overlooking the lake. The fog rolls in covering the lake like a thick blanket.I have known Agni Nikolaev since birth, my father’s boss as my godfather. Everyone respected him and in our world even I knew that meant everything. He is our leader and the syndi
GinPresent Day“Your vow is still in effect. Your job is still to protect her, now more than ever before. Love is a weakness. There is no room for weak men in the Bravata. My daughter will not have a weak man beside her. Do not disappoint me again Gin.”That’s what my Don told me before I left. I spent the last year forgetting the feelings and emotions she ignites in me. Ali and Birsha needed assistance on a mission and Don Agni agreed to send me back to her. I thought I could follow the one rule that was required of me and left with determination. Unfortunately the moment I saw her again the feelings I thought I rid myself of flooded back. She has changed and her features are somewhat different now. It’s not a huge difference really. Subtle things, like the shine in her hair seems to shine a bit brighter than before, and her once tan skin seems a bit paler than it was. I shake it off thinking it’s probably just her powers growing until I learn she was bitten. I found out by a slip o
“Please buckle your seat belts. The captain is preparing to land.” I hear the bubbly blonde flight attendant order over the plane’s intercom. I adjust myself in the comfortable seats and buckle. I look over to Mer who is already buckled and still passed out from her sleeping meds. I chuckle to myself when I see a small pool of drool on the shoulder of her pink blouse. Movement closer to the front of the plane catches my eye and I see Shikari, or Shi as we call her, and Birsha rush to their seats laughing as they go. Seeing her so happy makes my heart smile. One of my closest friends has finally found not only her fated mate but also her dishanna. After everything she has been through and so much she still doesn’t know of the future, she deserves to take the happiness when it comes. Shi, Mer and I grew up together in The Establishment. A place where children are trained from a young age to battle the rogue concealed creatures of this world mercilessly. We grew up training side by side
We make our way down the stairs and into the limo and I look around to see if I see anyone else. I sigh with relief when I realize it’s only us and Bix. I’m not ready to see everyone else just yet, especially the two specific males I’ve been trying to avoid. I’ve got way too much to worry about the two delicious and unwelcome men in my life. I just wish they were also forgettable, but I know I would not be so lucky, especially now that I know what’s in store.As we make our way towards our temporary home I lay my head back and try to clear my mind. Soon I can hear a soft snore from Mer at my side that tells me she is already back asleep. That girl can sleep anywhere. I chuckle inwardly. I lay my head back against the seat and close my eyes allowing myself a brief moment of silence. Sleep soo
“Don’t you think this is a little much?” I ask Mer as I stare at myself in the mirror. I can’t believe she fit me into this barely there little black dress that is made with hardly enough material to cover my privates. It is beautiful though with its spaghetti straps and loose scoop neck that seems to extenuate my neck line. The shiny material is loose and allows plenty of movement even though I know if I move too much my privates won’t be private any longer. “I mean seriously, Mer. I won’t be able to sit down or bend without the entire club seeing my goodies.”She laughs and waves a dismissive hand. “You look hot! You’re normally so put together and business like that your body needs to be released! Don’t you agree Esmerelda?” I laugh when Esmerelda just scowls and Mer rolls her eyes in response. “Besides I’ve watched you
I sigh and decide it's time to get up and just deal with the dress that I’m stuck in for the rest of the evening. Of course my luck decides to plummet because just as I start to stand my ankle twists and I lose balance. Strong arms quickly grab me and straighten me out. Once again, I don’t have to look to know it’s Xei. The jolt of electricity that attacked my body at his touch told me who it was.“If you can’t stand in those stupid shoes maybe you shouldn’t wear them.” Xei grumbles as he steps away.“I can stand just fine, I twisted my ankle, you big oaf.” I huff out and turn to walk around him.He shoots out his arm and stops me in my tracks and when I look up at him I can see a mixture of heat, fire and anger flash across his deep blue eyes. “What the fu
“Ali. Wake up.” I hear Gins' voice calling through my dreamless sleep. “Fuck my head hurts.” I groan as my eyes flutter open and the feeling of a hard wetness beneath me quickly snaps me awake. “What the fuck?” I look up and see Gin sitting next to me using the wall to lean on with a worried expression on his face. “Are you injured?” I quickly inspect him for any major injuries. When I don’t see any I quickly take in my surroundings. The room is dark and the ground is wet. The small amount of light allows me to see the moisture on the floor below us that has gathered. I look towards the right and I see a steel door. I hear a grunt and I quickly realize I never heard Gin’s response. I look back over and see his head is now slumped to the side and his eyes are closed. Shit. “Gin! Wake up.” I call at him and his eyes fly open. I can’t keep the concern out of my voice as I ask, “Where are you injured?” He groans a bit, lifting his head back up. “I’m not, just still groggy from whate
The training command center of Bravata stands as a bastion of preparation and resilience. It is here that we gather, Ali, Gin, and I, along with Gin's father, Alister, a seasoned warrior and strategist who had witnessed the ever-changing tides of the Bravata. Our meeting is shrouded in secrecy, as we delve into the intricate and perilous task of capturing and neutralizing Ren.The room is awash in the glow of dimmed lanterns, casting flickering shadows that dance upon the stone walls. The map of Bravata and its surrounding lands lay spread out on a large oak table, marked with pins and notes that signify the movements and alliances of our enemies.Ali's eyes are filled with determination, her features illuminated by the soft light, and Gin, holds an air of calm authority. Alister, with his weathered visage and a keen mind forged through years of experience, offers a sense of wisdom and stability.As I take a seat at the table, my mind is focused on the task at hand. We have decided to
I sit alone, the flickering candlelight casting dancing shadows on the walls of the library that has become my home away from home lately. The events of recent times weighs heavily on my mind, and I find myself in a state of introspection, trying to reconcile my feelings and thoughts about all that had transpired.The troubles of our world have grown, and the challenges we face seem insurmountable at times. The revelations of betrayal and hidden alliances as well as death have shaken the foundation of trust upon which the Bravata. I have always prided myself on being a protector and a confidant, but recent events have made me question the very essence of our reality.I think back to the moment we had uncovered the truth about Zion's loyalty to Ren, about his role in the schemes that had endangered Bravata. It had been a revelation that had left a bitter taste in my mouth, a sense of betrayal that I couldn't easily shake.Zion has been a trusted comrade in arms, and the realization th
Just as Xei is about to leave, another knock comes from the door. "Come on in, Ali," I say, my voice warm and inviting, loud enough for her to hear as Xei and I exchanged a knowing grin. Ali enters the room, dressed in a soft, flowing nightgown that clings to her like moonlight on silk. It is an unusual sight to see her with her hair down, the blonde waves cascading over her shoulders, framing her delicate features.I can’t help but think to myself how incredibly alluring she looked, her long, firm legs moving gracefully beneath the white silk, the pale skin of her shoulders and arms kissed by the flickering candlelight. She had an air of sensuality that was impossible to ignore."I thought we could use some relaxation," Ali says, a mischievous glint in her eyes as she lifts a bottle of liquor and gives it a soft shake. A smile plays on her lips, one that holds a promise of shared moments, of leaving the burdens of our world behind.Xei, ever the pragmatist, is quick to express his a
As I lay in my chambers, the guilt still a heavy burden, I make a silent promise to myself. I will do whatever it takes to protect her, Xei and the kingdom we both loved. The past could not be undone, but the future is a blank canvas, waiting for the brushstrokes of redemption and hope.A knock comes from my door and I know it is Xei who was behind the door waiting to offer his personal guidance that even though I didn’t want I know I desperately need it. I sigh as I open the door to my new found brother and bond mate. It's crazy how he has become a steady presence in my life. His wisdom and insight were qualities I have come to rely on, and I know that I could turn to him in my moments of doubt and despair. As I go and sit in a dimly lit corner of my room, the flickering candlelight casting dancing shadows on the walls, Xei enters with a force that was uniquely his own. His eyes, filled with understanding and compassion, meet mine, and it was as if he could sense the turmoil that c
The weight of guilt has always been a heavy burden, one I have carried with me since the moment I left Ali. It was a decision forced upon me by my father and hers, a decision rooted in the fear of a love that was deemed forbidden. And yet, that love had blossomed between us, fierce and undeniable.Alone in the quiet solitude of my room, the memories of the past came rushing back, haunting me like specters in the night. The echoes of the past are inescapable, and they claw at my heart, threatening to consume me.I have known Ali since we were children, growing up in the world of privilege and expectations that came with being the children of influential leaders. From the moment our eyes had first met, there had been an unspoken connection, a bond that transcended the boundaries set by our parents and even fate. Love had flourished, and we had been drawn to each other like moths to a flame. The connection was deeper than just the imani bond.But our love had been forbidden, a sin in the
As we enter the basement Zion greets us with a nod.The atmosphere is charged with uncertainty. His expression was a mix of apprehension and determination. He may not know what exactly is going on but he is on edge. "Zion," I begin, my voice steady and firm, “sit.” I say gesturing towards the table. He stiffens and I can see in his eyes he has realized he is not here for what he thought. “What is this about?” He says and adjusts himself and I can see he is putting on a calm mask. “I wanted to speak with you about a few things. We have been keeping an eye on you and I have to say you are an amazing fighter.” I say as I take the seat in front of him and Xei and Gin stand behind me on either side. “While your fighting skills are impressive it got me thinking about where you came from. You seemed to have popped up from no where.” He was about to speak before I put up my hand to stop him.“Don’t say anhything just yet. I like to think I am an honest and fair person so before you say an
“Well it’s about damn time.” I hear Gin say as I start to wake up. I look up to see Gin sitting at the chair he was at the last time I saw him. Xei is still laying under my head with a grin on his face. “You both are exhausting.” I say and roll my eyes and start to get up and Xei squeezes me tighter before placing a kiss on my neck and releasing me. “Did you find anything out or did you both just party while I was working?” Gin says chuckling like finding us like this is humorous to him. “We actually did.” I say as I quickly put on my clothes. I look at Xei and see he is taking his sweet time. I pick up his shirt and throw it at him, “Can you hurry up you big Oaf.” I say and Xei cuckles mumbling that some things won’t ever change. I led him to the secluded corner of the library, where we were originally going over the scrolls and albums. I hand him the documents and watch as he pursues the contents, his eyes scanning the intricate details that paint a picture of Ren's past and th
“This is crazy.” I say as I push the book I'm looking at away from me and lean back in my chair. “I honestly don’t know how much more I can take Xei.” I whisper and I lower my head. Xei walks around me and starts to rub my shoulders and I release a soft moan as he rubs harder making me instantly wet. Now is not the time, I tell myself. However as he continues to rub down my arms I lean my head back and allow his touch to light the fire within me. “That feels so good.” I moan softly.“Stand up Ali.” He says and I do without hesitation. “You are extremely tense. Let me help.” He whispers and leads me to the soft bearskin rug in front of the fireplace and starts to unbutton my white blouse slowly. I undo her trousers and let them fall to the floor. He watches me as I lay down on my back and spread my legs giving him a full view of my black lacy bra with matching thongs.He starts with my feet and slowly massages my heels, making his way to the middle. I can’t help the giggle that com
As I enter the library, the scent of old books and the hushed atmosphere that filled the room seems to offer solace and focus. The shelves are lined with tomes that hold the wisdom of generations, and I know that we need that wisdom now more than ever.Gin and Xei arrive shortly after I do, their expressions a mix of concern and determination. “ We got your message Xei, what is so urgent?” Ali asks. “The information we have uncovered has left us with a conundrum. What do we do about Zion? We have had men on him since I first got the feeling something was off and we haven’t heard anything out of the ordinary. However with the new information, how do we navigate the complex web of loyalties, secrets, and alliances that surrounded him? It is a decision that I don’t think we can delay in addressing it any longer. The longer we allow Zion to stay within our ranks the more intel he is able to pass on to Vex.” I say and I hear the worry in my own voice. The training field was a place wher