Me and my fur baby... We will always love you, Seraphina (24.04.09-07.06.20) 💋
Thanks for your patience while I got my head straight after losing my sweet fur baby Monday morning. I really appreciate you all - those who sent words of condolence and those who were patient for the next chapter too. 💋
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Sean lay on his bed staring at a frozen frame of Sang playfully kissing Rin, Rin giggling, from the recorded conversation with Sang. It's been two days since we spoke with Sang and Iris and saw our children for the first time.
The atmosphere in the Blackbourne house has been a combination of grief and hope. Each of us deep in our own thoughts.
For most of us, the thoughts centre around our pleasure in our children and what we can do to rebuild trust individually and as a team with Sang. We have also realised that we will all need to build relationships with Iris and Bjorne Mackinen, as well as strengthening our relationships with the Tomas and Phil Roberts. For some of us, that is going to be very hard to swallow.
Nathan and North have been very vocal about feeling the Tomas had broken the brotherhood code by moving in on Sang after we left. The rest of us have told them repeatedly to get over it; if her relationships with the Tomas made things easier for Sang, we are happy they are with her. Jealousy is a toxic thing for those two though. Both Luke and I have warned them they risk damaging their relationship further with Sang if they can't move past their anger at the men who've helped her grow into a woman and mother.
The reconnection between Vasily Ravensthal with his brother, Raven has made client discussions much less difficult. Unfortunately the assignment itself is proving very challenging. The head of the snake of the drug syndicate infiltrating Estonia is proving very illusive.
Each time the team has come close to who we believe to be the mastermind, they disappear. It's as if we are being played with, taunted. Which frankly, I don't understand. Their issue is with the Ravensthal Bratva, not the Blackbournes after all. We don't feel we've made much headway on eradicating their criminal presence in Estonia and it's been eleven months. This frustration is made worse by the knowledge that every day spent on this assignment is another day that Sang and the children settle more into a life without us.
Victor recorded all the conversations, including the interaction between Vasily and Raven. We've all watched the section with Sang, particularly the introduction to the septs, dozens of times. As the conversation wound down, we had asked Sang if we could send the video file to Uncle and Erica. Sang seemed uncomfortable but Iris had blown up at them,
'Do you even know what they said to Sang that morning?' She'd raged. The Blackbournes could hear the Tomas quickly removing the septs from the room and realised Iris was about to erupt on them,
'Erica told Sang that our poly lifestyle was not normal or healthy and that you each wanting a wife of your own was correct behaviour. She made Sang feel bad about herself when she asked why would nine boys want to share one girl like she was the one who perverted you 'innocent' boys,' Kota had cringed. Erica had mentioned that she'd said some potentially unforgivable things to Sang, but he hadn't realised she'd attacked their lifestyle and inferred Sang was a slut for being with the nine them. That last, he knew, was already a trigger for Sang,
'And Uncle!' It was North and Luke's turn to look horrified,
'He told Sang he always knew she would be responsible for separating you from your families! He told her she was selfish and had only considered her needs and not the needs of your family! How the fuck do you think that affected Sang after you lot had already betrayed her by leaving when you promised you never would? And she was two months pregnant...' Iris was furious, but she was also near tears at this point and Sang pulled her in for hug before stoping her sister's tirade,
'That's enough, sis,' Sang had been comforting yet firm,
'It doesn't hurt me anymore and those people are still family to the septs irrespective of how they treated me when I needed them. The septs have the right to love them and make up their own minds as they grow older. I won't allow anyone to make those choices for them - not even you or me,'
Iris nodded her head though her eyes promised that she would still have her say should Uncle or Erica ever show up to see the babies. The Blackbourne men realised they weren't the only ones who would need to grovel and that Sang was not going to be their toughest judge,
'In answer to your question, Kota, yes, you can give them the video of this discussion, but you are to make clear to them that their relationships with me, like my relationships with the nine of you, are presently broken. It was broken by their words and behaviour so they will have to figure out how to mend that breach, like Iris demonstrated with the plate earlier,' Sang fingered the pieces of broken crockery,
'I really hope they can because I have missed them,' Sang's voice had been wistful and sad,
'Knowing Jessica, she tried to tell your mother to ask more questions before she made assumptions. Am I right, Kota?' Sang had asked him. He could see the hope on Sang's face that she could resume a relationship without angst with at least one member of his family. He was so relieved he could answer honestly in the affirmative,
'You are right. Mom was devastated to realise she'd made a mistake. She admitted that Jess had told her something didn't seem right about her belief that you were responsible for our leaving but Mom couldn't absorb anything except that we had left without a commitment to return at the time. That's why Mom wouldn't let Jess come out to speak with you when you showed up that morning... Believe me when I say Mom has regretted that every day since she discovered the truth in September,' Sang had continued to toy with the shards of plate,
'Hindsight is 20/20, huh?' She'd sighed in sadness. It hadn't been her mistake and she had been the one to behave like a mature adult. Uncle and Erica were both going to have to accept Sang's terms. Sean knew they would though. They were distraught about the possibility of never seeing their grand children.
Sean's mind wandered to the exchange between Vasily Ravensthal and Raven. Something had been niggling at the back of his mind since that day, but it had been over shadowed by the subsequent conversation with Sang and the Ghost team. The thought began to crystallise in Sean's head. When Vasily has arrived, he said they would negotiate. For what?
It wasn't for confirmation of Raven's identity as his brother. Sean was certain Vasily had already known that, he'd certainly threatened them, not so subtlety, not to lie to him.
His location.
Sean became more certain that Vasily had wanted his brother's location from them, except said brother had appeared unexpectedly behind him in the television.
What did Vasily have that the Blackbournes wanted though?
Sean's mind drifted over all the events of that day and the day before. A thought rose up from his musings. Sean slowly sat up in bed as that thought grew into a hopeful supposition. If the Bratva had their house under surveillance that day... did they get a identifying shot of their 'benefactor'? And, if Sang is right, that could mean they have a real lead on Volto1! Sean whipped out his mobile and punched the fast dial code for Vasily,
'Da.' (Yes.) Vasily was not one for wasted words,
'When you came here on the 26th, what did you have that we might want to negotiate with you for?' Sean decided to be equally blunt. Vasily grunted,
'Face shot of whoever left you that second package,' Sean drew in a rush of air. Fuck yeah!
'Would you still be prepared to hand over the footage?' Sean asked carefully. How you phrased requests was vital to a good outcome with the Russian Bratva Pakhan,
'Da. For a promise from your team,' Vasily's voice was empty of any hint as to what he might want,
'What would we be promising?' Sean asked warily,
'You finish assignment, no time limit,' Sean closed his eyes in frustration and knew he could give only one answer,
'I will need to discuss with my team,' Vasily snorted,
'Americans and their democracy,' Vasily sounded unimpressed,
'Fine. Ring back within 24 hours with your answer or the deal is off.'
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Axel and Sang had taken the red eye from Sacramento, California to Charleston, South Carolina. Sang intended to be on the four pm flight back home to limit the time she was away from the septs.
She had two purposes on this trip. To get on the BoD of the Academy and to have a conversation with Uncle Taylor, Erica and Jessica Lee.
The BoD meeting was starting at 08.00 and Axel and Sang were currently en route to the hospital. They should be there with a twenty minute buffer window.
Sang grinned to herself secretively. Not even Axel was aware that she had contacted Everly Matthews, the HR Director back before the Christmas break about the requirement that the Elite Academy roster should have two representatives on the BoD.
Everly had agreed that her interpretation of the charity's charter was correct. Sang had requested that Everly bring the matter up as part of AOB (Any Other Business) but to say nothing to disclose her intentions to Mak or Phil. Everly had been amused and agreed.
In fact, Everly had rung her yesterday to confirm she'd also gotten a confidential agreement from Sang's Academy councillor, Dr. Amelia Adams, who was the second Community Trustee on the BoD, to second Everly's motion to allow the Academy's Elite roster two BoD Member Trustees. So her and Axel's appointment to the BoD was fait accompli already. It was just the look on Mak and Phil's faces she was looking forward to left to imagine.
It exactly 09.40am when Axel and Sang's taxi pulled up to the side door of the hospital. Everly had suggested they meet in her office across the hospital from Phil's office. She would join them to update them when the BoD had their first break. The BoD meeting itself was in the same area as Everly's office. Axel was shocked to see Everly and Amelia waiting for them at the side entrance,
'Something you forgot to tell me, jewel?' He asked suspiciously in a growl. Sang giggled,
'Yup. I have already got Every and Amelia onside to make the motion and second it for our Membership Trustee posts. I have no intentions of allowing Mak or Phil to stonewall us today,' Internally Axel was pleased and amused but the Master Dom in him levelled a no nonsense look at Sang,
'We will discuss this later, jewel,' Sang smirked at him,
'I'm already looking forward to my punishment...' Axel's mouth twitched, God how he wanted to laugh at her cheek. The eyebrow raise told him she knew perfectly well he loved her naughty antics.
Sang stepped out of the taxi and gave both the Director and Trustee a smile and a hand shake that became a quick side hug,
'It's so good to see you both again! You look well!' Everly and Amelia shook Axel's hand as well before commenting,
'You too! It will be good to have another strong female on the BoD, no offence Axel,' Everly gave Axel a small wry smile,
'None taken. Sang will be an asset to the BoD, as I hope to be as well,' all three women grinned at his political response,
'You will do,' Amelia chuckled,
'Let's go to my office before you are seen by someone who could report back to Mak or Phil,' Everly suggested. The four of them hurried to the HR Director's office. Thankfully her PA had coffee, tea and juice with pastries set up in Everly's office for them,
'Please grab refreshments while we chat. Amelia and I are due back in 15 minutes,' Sang and Axel murmured their thanks and quickly grabbed some breakfast and a drink,
'Everything is moving on schedule so I will probably message you to join us in an hour and a quarter or so, after we return for the second half of the BoD meeting. Mak and Phil are completely unaware of our discussions so this should be interesting,' Everly's eyes darted mischievously toward Amelia who blushed before answering tartly,
'The impending argument between myself and Phil when he realises I have 'conspired against him' is hardly an interesting event,' she rolled her eyes at Everly's sniggering. Sang was pleased she and Iris had succeeded in setting Phil up with Amelia. Phil wasn't the sort to kiss and tell and certainly not to his de facto daughters!
The four sat and chatted comfortably until Everly and Amelia needed to leave,
'My PA will stay in the office to escort the two of you to the meeting when I message you, so relax and enjoy. I've set up the monitor,' she gestured toward the television monitor on the wall, 'to the meeting's recording device so you can watch the proceedings unfold,' the wicked grin on Everly's face amused both Axel and Sang.
For the most part, the following hour was full of dry Academy information- finances, capital spending and HR KPI (key performance indicators) Although both Axel and Sang found the assignment reporting interesting viewing.
Finally AOB was arrived at. Mak and Phil were closing their folders, as generally AOB was closed quickly with nothing added,
'I have a motion to bring to the table as part of AOB, before we close,' Everly interrupted several other Directors and Trustees from the same action of closing their meeting notes,
'It was pointed out to me by Sang Sorensen that we should have done this in October when the Elite roster was first created,' Sang and Axel giggled as Mak and Phil froze, their eyes fixed apprehensively on Everly as she spoke,
'I move to appoint two duly elected Member Trustees from the Elite roster onto the BoD. As the Elite roster is small, they've held their own elections and Sang kindly presented the audio from the Ghost teams election. Sang Sorensen and Axel Toma have been elected to the posts and will join us once the motion is seconded and carried,' Mak and Phil held their breath praying the motion would not be seconded,
'I second the motion,' as Phil gave his girlfriend a stricken look, Sang and Axel belly laughed as the message to join pinged on Sang's mobile from Everly.
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'Mother fucker...' the hooded figure that was known as Volto sat in the back of the Internet
cafe muttered savagely to their self. They'd been trying to obtain the new location of the Academy Ghost team for the last three months without success.
If only Richard Andrews wasn't a crazy fucking imbecile, the team would have been in Texas where there'd been a full set up to allow Volto to finally get their hands on Sang Sorensen and, as luck would have it, her twin sister Iris Makinen too.
Two years of planning fucked up because the location had been changed and not even their back door could provide any further information on where exactly the Ghost team had been relocated.
The individual stopped. They took deep breaths in and calmed their mind as they considered their next steps carefully.
The Blackbourne team were in Estonia, effectively out of action dealing with an assignment. Volto sniggered to themselves. Have fun with that, boys!Volto was reasonably sure that while they had been in touch with their families, they had not made contact with Sang herself. Volto snorted, at least Andrews had managed to accomplish that much.
Their families were not in touch with Sang either. Volto smirked cruelly. Those conversations had been fun to watch. Poor little Sang. All alone and having to fend for herself... Volto's face twisted in an unattractive angry grimace. It was finally her turn to suffer...
Volto had flown out to Estonia to ensure the Blackbourne team stayed out of the way, not anticipating the arrival of Sang's identical twin or her sudden disappearance. All the surveillance that had been set up at the Blackbourne residence and the hospital where Sang had been training was useless because she'd not been in either place since the morning after the Blackbournes had left for Estonia.
After the confrontations, Volto knew the families had not seen or heard from Sang. Although just a few days ago they had been in touch with the Academy Director, Phil Roberts. But the message had been short and encrypted. So far, Volto had been unable to break the encryption.
The way Sang had simply disappeared bothered Volto hugely. She had just dropped off the face of the Earth. Volto was almost certain she was hiding out with her twin and the Tomas but where? Who could help get that information?
Volto's other big problem was their original name sake, the original Volto that they'd planned would be the scapegoat for their actions toward Sang Sorensen. That Volto was definitely helping the Blackbourne team now, although it seemed unlikely they'd be aware of The Ghost team's present location...
A positive notification ping cams from the cafe computer. A smile emerged. The encryption on the message to Phil Roberts had been broken. The message read:
Uncle: Why didn't you tell us Sang had the Blackbourne's babies? We know now and they do too.
Well, well, well... Sang had been pregnant when the Blackbourne team left, had she? With more than one baby.... And the Blackbournes had just found out too, through their families. Oh, this could be very useful information. Volto grinned before the smile evaporated. None of it meant fuck all if they couldn't find Sang Sorensen!
An idea began to form. A grim expression overtook Volto's face. It was risky and would take some time to get results plus there would be some... unpleasantness. But it would work. Time to kidnap a snivelling little bitch...
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A/N
So Axel and Sang are now on the BoD and Mak and Phil won't be able to hide Academy business from them anymore...
Any more guesses on who Volto1 is.... no one has guessed who they are in this universe yet...
What about Volto2? Again no correct guesses yet...
Who is Volto2 targeting to kidnap?
I'll proofread in the morning again for all that I missed tonight. It's gone 1am and I'm shattered!
See you guys again for Chapter 23 on Saturday 💋