THORN IN MY FLESH

HOME SWEET HOME

Alexis walked into her office to find her childhood friend and cousin in her chair, flirting with her secretary, who was giggling.

'Hey guys, I'm back', she says cheerfully, walking into the room.

Mrs. Petalgate, her secetary, beams upon seeing her saying, 'Welcome back darling, you look so much better after your vacation, you are practically glowing'

'Thanks, Emily', Alexis responded, hugging the older woman.

'You look different', Alonso said in his sultry deep voice, looking intensely at her as he stood up to hug her.

'Nice to see you too bestie', she responded cheerfully as they held each other in a tight embrace.

'Did you have fun?', he asked, still hugging her. She exhaled loudly, basking in his hug,

'I missed you', she said, making him chuckle.

'I missed you too', he replied before releasing her.

'I got you something', he said, taking a box from her table and putting it in her hands.

'What is it?', she asked curiously

'Open it', he responded

She set her expensive bag down and opened the box. Inside, it was a gold frame with a picture of her grandfather in it. Looking upon his familiar weathered face made tears well up in her eyes. The photo captured a rare moment of him laughing as he chased a young Alexis, who was running away with his glass eye.

'Where did you get this?', she asked

'Oh, I took it as payment from grandma after feeding me poison for two weeks', he responded casually, making Alexis laugh.

'Are you okay?', she asked

'I'm okay. You should see what happened to her cat. The poor thing is in his sandbox every three hours, "he responded playfully

'How is she?'Alexis asks

'She's good. I mean, he's still hovering around her, and they still speak together. I guess she's content knowing he's still with her, waiting for her, so they cross over together, "he replied.

'You think she'll be fine?'Alexis asked

'Who? Grandma? She's as tough as whip leather. She'll be fine. I worry more about you than her, "he replied

'Me?! Why?!'Alexis asked

'You know why', he responded

She sat down, looking at him.

'I am haven't used my powers in a long time, so there is nothing to worry about', she said to him.

'

And that is what worries me. I may not have

your powers, but we are both decendants of the most powerful necromancer in history. I can sense the dead even if I can't see them, and they are here in the dozens because they are drawn to you like a beacon. You need to be very careful, "he replied

'Yes sir', she responded in a mock salute, making him laugh.

'So, how's the club doing?'Alexis asked, trying to lighten the mood.

'Better than we expected, after the vampire prince had his mistresses birthday there, and his entourage gave five star reviews, it became the number spot for royals. We may have to open a new branch soon, "he responded with a proud smile.

'You did it', she said to him.

'No, we did it', he responded, 'we refused to allow our families direct our paths and forged our own, and here we are. Independent, unbound by coven politics and free to live as we wish, "he said back to her.

'Do you think he is proud of us?', she asked

'I'm sure he is', Alonso responded, looking back at her as he sprawled on her couch.

Emily comes back into the room carrying a tray with two cups of coffee and some biscuits. She gave Alexis her messages and the list of clients that called while she was away.

'Mrs. Petalgate, my cousin has only just arrived, and you have forgotten me. I feel so betrayed,' he said in an exaggerated tone, covering his handsome face with his arm.

The older woman laughed at his antics before walking out of the room.

'You do realise she's older than your mum?'Alexis asked

'So? She's hot, "Alonso replied

'She's mated', Alexis continued

'But not marked. Making her fair game even by elven law, he corrected, making Alexis shake her head as she laughed.

'The full moon of the equinox will appear in four weeks, I will be picking you up so we stay at my place', he said, standing up

'Really?', she asked in a frustrated tone

'Yes! Really, "he responded, wearing his coat

'Why can't I just stay at my place? As long as I stay inside, I will be safe. The lycans keep to their territories.

'Not under an equinox moon. Their senses will be heightened at all times, and their beasts are difficult to control, especially for young unmated males. Single females are the most vulnerable during this period. I am not taking risks with you, so you will stay with me. I will bring you here and pick you up myself throughout that period, "he said to her, leaving no room for argument.

Violet runs into Alexis' office and switches on the TV, saying, 'something terrible has happened'

They all pay attention to the huge screen where a lycan reporter is seen standing behind a yellow tape to what is presumably a crime scene with a bold caption boldly written beneath her in red: BREAKING NEWS- VAMPIRE DUKE FOUND DEAD IN HIGHRISE APARTMENT.

The room goes quiet as television volume is increased, and the reporters voice fills the room as she reports the news.

'Time and cause of death is yet to be confirmed by the authorities, however what has been confirmed is that the duke was last seen in company of the recently deposed lycan prince Reginald Woodland in the apartment but his whereabouts as at ehe time of this report is currently unknown'.

Alonso's phone rings, breaking the silent spell in the room. He picks it up and answers whoever is on the other end of line. He raises his voice in anger as he speaks Italian to the caller on the other end of the line, who raises his voice back at him.

'I cannot believe this', Alonso said as he put the phone on speaker. On the other end of the line, an older man could be heard speaking in an angry tone.

'I am doing this to keep you and your mother safe. You may not like it, but for her sake, you will obey the ruling of the council. You are forbidden from giving sanctuary to anyone outside of the elite circle of magic. We fear that this may lead to war between the vampires and the lycans and wish to stay neutral, "the voice said

'But father!'Alonso said, trying to interject

'It is final, Alonso! No practising witch or warlock is allowed to interfere in this. Please focus on keeping your mother and cousin safe. Especially your cousin, his father responded before cutting the line.