Blue Moon~ Blackwater Series 3

Chapter Ten

Zara

   It took some convincing for Kaliska to not come to the club. Her presence would frenzy some of the vampires and werewolves in the club. Many learned of Kaliska's existence but there are still others who were clueless. If Kaliska's first appearance to a large group of vampires and werewolves was hostility, she'd form a bad reputation. Kaliska didn't understand the dynamics of supernatural laws and standards of living. She'd love centuries and her reputation is what would get her far in her life.

   This was a delicate matter. Coming to a vampire establishment with accusations without proof would damage a bond established with vampires. They'd willingly allowed for werewolves to enter their club.

   Mystic was owned by a local vampire named Fredric. He was known to many and fair. He also had done respect for Iris. He loved his business and would listen to her before taking offense.

   "Your daughter would love a place like this. If she wasn't here to hound the owner." Iris nodded at the bouncer in the front of the line.

   He stepped to the side, allowing them to pass.

   "You have made connections over the years." Zara couldn't help but noticed how influential Iris was with so many. Zara lost so much opportunities, being away.

   "You are rebuilding," Iris complimented. "I am far older than you and not hidden. You had your reasons to leave, as did I...once."

   "I am here now." Zara had to accept what cards were handed to her. Mac had damaged many of the packs old bonds with other alliances to packs and others. "My daughter is here."

   "And your mate is here," Iris added.

   Zara nodded. "I guess we have that in common. Our mates, vampires."

   Iris blushed thinking of Paulina. She hoped Paulina saw her in the same light. "Did it concern you, Maia and Kaliska?"

   Thinking of an honest answer, Zara narrowed her eyes about, taking in the dark elegant vibe of the club. The club throbbed like a drum in her chest. Vampire men and women dancers moved at a seductive speed, that kept even the werewolves gazing at them.

   "It's still an adjustment for me. But I am happy they found another. At least I know they will equally take care of another, and that's all I want for the two of them."

   "And grandchildren?" Iris asked.

   Zara laughed. "That is not something I desire for a decade or two."

   Iris waved and Zara assumed it was the owner. "But..."

   "They speak of no children in future. Obviously, they can not have one the old fashion way." Zara straightened as the vampire approached. "But, I saw light shine in Maia's eyes as Kaliska played with her cousin. We will see."

   "Fredric." Iris leaned in to kiss his cheek.

   He kissed back frantic. He pressed his long fingers against his chest. "Oh thank God. I tried reaching Paulina. I wasn't sure to reach you. Formalities in all."

   "You know what happened here?" Zara jumped in.

   He paused, taking in Zara's demeanor and smiled. "You are the Alpha and Iris little sister."

   Zara nodded.

   "I knew your father. Good man." Fredric looked from Iris to Zara, noticing curious glances their way. "Let us go to your personal quarters. Fredric walked as if escorting customers to their seats. They walked through club to the back. Fredric called to one of his employees, and whispered in their ear.

They walked down a hall, stepping into a room. Knowing they were private, Fredric turned on his heels, as if in a runway shoot. "I know your pack and Lucian Manor vampires have in recent bonded. But, I wasn't sure of the proper channels to turn to. I hoped for Paulina to call me back soon."

"My daughter is with her now." Zara could see he knew something.

"I keep a fine establishment. And I don't take kindly to trouble in my own place. This is my home," Fredric sneered. It seemed out of character for him to react vexed. He placed a smile back on his face, brushing his hair from his eyes. "Mona was present last night. I offered her private quarters and she declined. A mundane approached, looking uninhabited to being nicely groomed. Mona taken him to the back." Fredric noticed one of the dancers coming in and waved her over. She walked in with her full breast, bouncing about. "My lovely lady, witnessed the act."

The woman peeled her eyes up at Iris, noticing a woman who was very gay. "I was headed to the dressing room when a man dragged the vampire out. She looked as if she was chocking. Blood stained her mouth. My guess, Rervain. I've seen that horrid look." The woman frowned. "I considered to help, but when he got to the back entrance, two vampires were waiting. I don't fight so I ran and told Fredric."

"Thank you Livi." Fredric dismissed her and she winked at Iris and walked off.

Iris made my reaction, barely noticing the woman's interest. "Do you have cameras outside your club?"

"I do." Fredric perked up, glad to help. "One of my employees is bringing you the disc now. I was going to report this to higher authority but thought leave that matter to you." Fredric held a grim smile. "I saw one of the men on the video. He belongs to the Monarch."

Zara understood now what he said nothing. He served under the Monarch's ruling.

Both sisters looked to another, getting the confirmation, they dreaded. A man walked in and handed Zara the disc.

"I hope this helps," Fredric said.

"Can we check out where Mona was taken?" Zara asked.

"Of course." Fredric guided them a few rooms down, unlocking the door. Zara and Iris stepped in.

Without warning, Zara began undressing.

"What are you doing? You can't shift here," Fredric said, dramatically. That would cause a panic if his customers saw her in wolf form.

Zara removed her pants and handed it to Iris. "I am in control of my wolf. I have spent weeks at a time in my wolf. I lead my wolf and have the strongest nose you'll ever find."

Fredric looked to Iris, asking her silently if he could trust Zara. She was familiar with that look. Iris smiled and Fredric groaned. "Please be quick."

With that, Zara shifted into her wolf. It took her less than several seconds, Pack magic helping her to shift faster.

Her wolf shook its white pelt. Looking to the vampire, Zara told her wolf to not see him as an enemy. She'd killed many vampires in wolf. Twisting around, she walked to the couch, sniffing out scents. She remembered Mona's. She looked up at Iris, ears pointed high as if to tell her Mona was here. Her nose went to the other end of the couch and then floor. The scent she picked up was also a human. Zara followed it to the door. She helped when no one opened the door.

Fredric scowled. "If she runs into my main—"

"She won't," Iris assured.

The door opened. Zara's wolf rushed out, heading for the back door. A few dancers stepped out and leaped back, startled. They relaxed seeing Fredric there and scurried off.

Fredric went to the back door at the end of the long dark hall and opened it. They stood in the alleyway, a dumpster to the side of the building. They were at the end of the corner block, several feet from the Main Street. Zara ran up and then back, leaping back to human skin. She pointed to the wall a few feet from the door. "I can smell her here. She was badly hurt. I recognize Mac's stench," Zara snarled. It been years since she saw her old mate. The night he killed her true mate. Or tried to kill. "She was taken by car. Her scent and his, ends here." Her eyes went to Iris. "But the human who lured her out, his scent carried. He walked."

"You Can Follow his scent?" Iris asked.

"As far as he walked, as long as it wasn't by car."

"I shall call Paulina. We should wait for them." Iris suggested.

"Call."