Bonds of Another Kind Part Two

Chapter 1

UNKNOWN

Today, she was in the garden. Her cage was decorated with a realistic arrangement of rare plants, flying insects, even her own lion she used to have. The one that used to be hers when she lived in the garden.

Before.

There was a sound of a river flowing in the background, like the one she used to listen to.

If she kept her eyes closed, she could almost feel the warmth of the sun on her skin. Almost feel the grass beneath her as real as the real thing. She could even feel a breeze. She must have been asleep by now if she could conjure something so real.

"Miss?"

Nope. It was the door.

She opened her eyes and reality set back in. The garden was gone. Sunlight replaced with the cold darkness with the barely there faded yellow fluorescent light above. The chains were back around her wrists and ankles. The hunter green jumpsuit that was still rough against her skin.

It was the guard. The new one. They had a change of some sort out in the world, because even their uniforms and attitudes changed. Her brother hadn't been by to visit her for a long while, so he must have had something to do with it. The guard was a vampire, by the smell of him. "What." She didn't move from her lying position on the floor.

When was the last time she spoke? Had it been a year? Two, maybe?

"The Alphas are here. They'd like to speak with you."

The Alphas? What was he talking about? Is that how he referred to himself? Surely he would have more class than that.

The guard widened the door and two young ones walked in. One female. Dark skin, bright green eyes. Pretty. Smart, by the way she assessed the cell and its inhabitant. Did she know she was still the gazelle that wandered into the lion's den? The other was a tall, broad male. Brown hair, a little shaggy. They both had something distinct about them.

Ah, it took a moment to recognize it. A bit of the scent of the goddess. Probably her blood.

"Vanessa?" the female Alpha asked.

She raised a brow. Pulling up her knees, she leaned against the metal frame of the bed, but remained on the floor. If they expected her to bow or curtsey, they'd be waiting until the end of time. Neither of them appeared frightened. If anything, they looked sympathetic.

The male lifted up papers and flipped through them. "It says here you were put in custody by Samael Hernandez a very long time ago. No official reason, just instructions to keep you in this cell."

Sounds about right. He would go so far as to not put any real care instructions.

"No charges have ever been brought against you," the female said. "No one knows who you are, no one knows why you are here. Because Samael put you in here, we have reason to believe you may be here under false pretenses."

Depends on however one sees it, but sure.

The male cleared his throat. "It says here your name..." he fought a chuckle. "Vanessa... Hernandez?" He looked up from his paper. "Any relation to Samael?"

She flicked her golden eyes with the red edges up at him. "Do you see any relation... Alpha?" He looked like a boy. What was he? Twenty? Maybe more than that?

He wasn't amused. "You don't give off the same power as Samael, so you aren't a god."

"No," she smiled sardonically. "The title is usually reserved for men."

"Goddess," he corrected. "I get the sense you're more along the lines of witch or sorceress."

Not even close, but it wasn't like they would understand. They may have some god blood in their veins, but they know nothing of the eternal beings. Clearly.

The girl decided to speak up. Their close proximity may mean they have some sort of relationship with one another. Mates, probably. Disgusting. Love never works out. Though these two have a lifespan that is limited. They will probably die believing their love for one another was true throughout the ages. "We're releasing you, Vanessa, but only on the understanding there isn't a reason for you to come back here. We don't trust anything from Samael, which includes your imprisonment. So, you're free to go."

"Samael will bring me back," she scoffed. "You're wasting your time."

"Samael is dead," the girl said dryly.

That was news. "Who did it?"

"We did."

"Where's the body?"

They looked at one another. Surely it was buried somewhere. Or he was taken back to his birthplace by the goddess? He had something of hers and she could probably syphon off some of his power from whatever remains were left. "Where is it?" she demanded.

"It's..." the male watched her. "Why?"

Fine. She would find it herself. "It does not matter, I suppose." Vanessa stood up from the cement floor. She couldn't really move about, being chained to the wall. She lifted her wrists up. "Can I get assistance with these?"

"The guards will come in about an hour to release you. If you need anything, we left our information with a packet for you at the discharge desk. Please call us if you need anything, or if you need help just reintegrating into society."

She read the newspaper. She had the occasional television brought in. She was aware of the state of the world mostly. "Thanks."

Slowly, they nodded and left. The door sealed shut behind them. She dropped the false wall facade that looked like a clean room. The walls were painted in her own blood. If Samael was dead, and no one claimed the body, she was going to find it. She had her list. List of grievances. List of those who wronged her. Samael was gone, so it was one she wouldn't have to worry about.

She bowed her head for his memory. For the sake of everything between them. Though, she did it with a sinister smile. "So long, brother. Guess it's my turn."

+++

Hello! Just a fair warning. If you have not read the first book before this, you will be lost and upset with me. Please save yourself character confusion, and read Bonds of Another Kind. Otherwise, please enjoy as we continue with this crew. Also. If you are reading this but have not read Angels and Misfits, please know there is a bit of a time jump and events that occurred in the angel books that may be referenced.

It isn't necessary to read the angel books, but highly recommended. Like, highly. Just saying. Alex and Nora definitely make this one worth the wait.

Anywho. About this one. I struggled with this, but decided to just bite the bullet. There is a bit of abuse. I won't detail it, because I don't believe the actual acts of abuse deserve to be highlighted, but the effects of it. But this serves as my warning ahead of time. Otherwise, please enjoy!