I felt an electrical shock to my chest. I was standing in moving water. I opened my eyes to darkness and then lifted the visor on my helmet. I blinked as my blurry vision came into focus. I stared at the forest around me and then stones and glowing figures on them.
– Enemies arrival immediate in 30 minutes. –
I frowned at the voice in my helmet speaker. I looked around. “Where are they coming?” I asked the voice.
– Enemies arrival coming from your right side from the sky –
I checked my utility belt for a weapon. I reached for something that felt like a side arm strapped to my leg holster. I grabbed it up and looked at it. My vizor I.D. the thing as a universal mining tool. What the fuck? I was miner!?
– Enemies arrival incoming in 10 minutes. –
Shit. I looked around for a weapon of any kind. My gaze locked on the images in the stones as I scanned and down loaded information for locations and letters. Letters?! The letters meant something. I had to scan them all. There was information in the stones I needed to get this time. I couldn’t fail like last time.
Like last time?! What happened last time?!
Hot fire blasted across my shoulder from the sky followed by a storm of fire from the enemy.
– RUN. DAMN IT. –
New project I got going on that is a bit of a fan project for a game called No Man’s Sky.
I’m nearly finishing up Lords Of Delta: Pete. It is extremely good and heavy with the action and awesome.
The good action and ride doesn’t end. Pete is nearing the end of his story but I’m fixing to put a spin to the end. I’m mixing a lot of classic Urban fantasy and heavy fun.
Vince was Icing his hands as he sat in the firm office with Pete and Andrew. Pete was shaking his head, arms crossed and pissed off.
“Where the fuck is Ross, with his daughter?” Pete said finally in annoyance. “She has to know more to this shit. That fucking bastard has got something to do with this shit.”
Andrew nodded in agreement silently as he smoked on his cigar with a grim line on his lips. “Fucking son of a bitch. We need to becareful. We can’t out right connect it all together. We only have one witness and we might need that old bastard alive to close the case with an axe.”
Vince looked at Pete. “Don’t leave like that again without telling me.”
Pete blinked at him. “What?!”
“I said, don’t leave me behind holding my dick like you did again. Let me know what’s up first and don’t fucking ghost me when I call you. I didn’t know what the fuck happened to you after a while and I got worried.” Vince said.
Pete stared at him and then nodded. “I got you. It won’t happen again.” He said and then he smiled. “You softened that fucker up nice and lumpy for your next match.”
Vince grimanced. “I might have over done it. We got two weeks until the second match. I’m hoping my hands heal right until then.”
Pete shook his head. “Don’t worry about that. I’ll think of something.”
There was a knock at the door and then it opened for Ahlar and Ran to walk inside. Vince stared at Ahlar was dressed in a satin yellow dress that hugged her body and vail covered the lower half of her face.
Vince glanced at Pete to see him looking at Ran and ignoring Ahlar entirely. Pete got up as Ahlar came over and held out his hand.
Ahlar ignored or didn’t see his hand and came over to sit facing Vince. “You…you are hurt?”
Vince shrugged. “I lost the first match so I had to take it out on Slicer’s face.”
Ahlar stared at him. “It was supposed to be a simple boxing match.”
Vince shook his head. “Slicer set the tone of the match. He wanted it to be street boxing match so I respected his wishes. I need you to tell me again how you met Slicer.”
Ahlar stared at him. “You’ve been ignoring my phone calls.”
Vince shook his head. “Your playing with fire. I want you hard and dirty and you know it. I’m not like Slicer. You would be my female now if it wasn’t for this case. I’m a Barbarian warrior in a brokes brother suit. I’m not interested in your modern fantasy dating games.. There’s not a soul alive that can stop me from claiming you.. So are you going to tell me the story of how you really met Slicer?”
“Are you speaking to me as my lawyer or a Lord of justice?”
“Both. Tell me the story again. ” Vince said.
Ahlar flinched but she shook her head. “Your not interested in that. What do you want to know. I’ll tell you. No games. Just ask.”
“Did Deamon Ross have a hand in you meeting and dating Joc Slicer?”
Ahlar sat up. “Yes.”
“How?”
“He introduced us at a dinner party. He has also has been encouraging us to date in the beginning. Otherwise. I don’t know the way of it. Are you thinking of pursuing a judgment on Deamon and Joc for a high crime?”
“That isn’t your right to know.” Pete said stiffly.
Ahlar waited staring at Vince. He shrugged. “It’s a possibility. I wouldn’t advise you tell Deacon any of this-“
“If Deacon.” Ran started and paused. “If Deacon has committed any crimes against the law then you can have the full support of the Ross family in his arrest and execution.”
Ahlar stared at him silently and then back at Vince. “Your hiding something. What is it?”
Vince shook his head. “It’s time for you to go.”
Ahlar stiffened at the dismissal but nodded she quickly leaned over and brushed his lips against her mouth. The barrior of the vail was thin but enough to keep Vince in his seat as Ahlar hurried out the room.
Ran nodded to them following after his daughter. The room was quiet.
“What the fuck?!” Pete said. “You want her?!”
Vince looked at Pete. “How did Mini find you?”
“What?!”
“How the fuck did Mini find you?” Andrew asked. “I have been wondering about that myself.”
Pete snorted and shrugged. “Mini has her ways. Anyway, where’s the contract you have with the Ross girl!”
Vince in the meeting room with Andrew at his side outside boxing ring newly set up for the bout in the middle of the room. He had on boxing trunks and nothing else. Andrew frowned at the scars that maped Vince’s upper body and a large HM tattoo that covered his worst wound on the right side of his chest.
“Where or when did you get that one from?” Andrew asked him before the doors opened to admit Ran and another Elderly Orc that looked similar to Ran but had a black long go-tee.
Vince nodded to the elder. The Elder frowned at him and then stared at the double H tattoo on Vince’s chest. He gave ran a look.
“You going to answer my question?” Andrew asked.
Vince looked at his grandfather. “It was a disagreement between me and my brother. I saddled it.”
“Pete and you wouldn’t come to blows like that.”
“I meant my pledge brother. I got a free tattoo out of it. So no harm done.” Vince said.
Vince faced off with Ran and the Elder. “Good evening Mr. Ross. Mr. Slicer will be joining us soon then?”
Ran waved a hand at him. “Fuck the formal talk, my Elder is an Alumni of the double H.”
Vince frowned but relaxed when he took a better look at the Orc and saw the double H ring on his left ring finger.
“Slicer hasn’t arrived yet? We were expecting him at least to show up twenty minutes ago. Was he at your house?”
Ran grimanced but nodded. “Yes. I told em to follow me down here or he would lose the match by default. I still have clan at the house so don’t worry.”
Vince made a face and froze when the Ross Elder froze at the sight and narrowed his eyes at him. Vince locked his gaze with the Elder and held out his hand. “Excuse me manners. I am Vince Delta.”
The Elder reluctantantly took his hand in a firm quick shake. “I am Deamon Ross. Ran’s great uncle and head of the Ross tribe. You are apart of the new human horseman to join the horseman in this current century I believe.”
Vince shrugged letting go of the elder’s hand. “Mostly human and little bit of everything else.”
“Meaning you are mutt of sorts.” Deamon said.
Vince again shrugged. “What of it?” He said.
Deamon stared at him. Vince stared back and smiled slowly. “Do I trouble you or do you stand on firm ground?” He asked.
Deamon flinched at the question glancing at Ross. Ross stared at him saying nothing. Deamon looked back at Vince and studied him.
“You walk a fine line. Nothing troubles me. I am concerned with the level of your fire. Your brother was not one to handle the bout so I’ve heard.” Deamon said.
Vince stared at him. “You have seen my fire burn. My brother is his own man. Let him speak for himself. Address the horseman rider before you. Don’t hide with pleasentries or silent jabs. Do you wish to test me?”
Deamon’s response was a slow grin. “Your eyes prove who you really are. I don’t like you. I don’t approve of you.”
“What are the rules?” Vince asked.
Deamon laughed. “You lose when you submit or your own able to go on hu-man. Only the mighty deserves Ahlar.”
Vince stepped closer and then gentle put a hand to Deamon’s shoulder and pushed him aside to face Slicer and his brothers. “Your late.”
Silver had on golden gloves and was bare chested with white trunks on. His brothers were armed with bats and knives.
“Look what we got here.” Andrew said with a chuckle.
Andrew stepped forward with a cigar in his mouth a 12 gauge shot gun in his hands and two glock 19s in his gunbelt.
Slicer chuckled. “You think that old hu-man will stop all of us.”
The sound of another shotgun being chucked behind Slicer and his people wiped the smile off his face.
“Slicer is the only one going in.” Pete said from behind the Slicer Orcs. “The rest of you fuckers stay out of it.” He said.
Slicer ran inside narrowly smashing into Ran and Deamon and swung his fist at Vince.
Vince dodged to the side and came back with two jabs and right cross. Slicer went falling into a table but got to his feet quickly came Vince again with ramming speed tackling him to the ground and started pummeling him.
Vince’s head was rocked back and saw black. He came awake the second Slicer came off him. Vince kneed him in the balls.
Slicer screamed grabbing his own balls as Vince came up. His head hurt and blood flowed from his nose and mouth.
“Hey the fights over. I knocked his ass out.” Slicer complained.
Vince advanced on Slicer. Slicer again tried to tackle Vince but he side-stepped him and tripped up Slicer’s ankle.
Slicer went down hard face planting on the floor but he again came up only to turn as Vince rocked his body with kidney punch from the right to the left and then finishing off the combos with elbow shot to the Slicer’s chin.
Slicer dropped to the floor. He lay on the floor motionless until Vince kicked him in the abdomen.
Slicer gasped and coughed on the floor. Vince stood over him.
“Get up, bitch. I ain’t done.” Vince said.
Slicer looked at Deamon. “I won. He blacked out the fight is over.”
Deamon frowned and looked at Ross. “He’s right the human blacked out.”
Ran stared at him. “Are you sure about your decision?”
Deamon grimanced but he nodded. “Joc wins this round. There is still best of two more matches. The battle isn’t over.”
Ran nodded. He turned to Vince. “You lost this round. You better prepare for the next one.” Ran said and nodded over to Slicer. Joc slowly came to his feet shaky but smiling in victory.
Vince nodded and went over to Slicer and kneed him in the balls again. Slicer went down quickly and Vince got on top of him and started beating his face.
Deamon looked at Ran. Ran stared back at him. “Is there something you wish to say?”
“How long will this continue?” Deamon asked quietly.
Ran stared at him. “Until, I am satisfied Joc Slicer is prepared for his next match.”
Vince was pouring over the contract for the last few hours when he got a knock on the door. “What is it?” He asked in a gruff voice.
“I found Pete.” Mini said to Vince’s surprise. “He’s doing fine and he’ll be back in the next forty-eight hours or less. Mr. Ross is here. Do you wish to see him?”
“Yes. Thank you Mini.” Vince said and then sat back in his chair as the door was unlocked and opened. Ran stood in the door and took in Vince’s condition before quickly coming inside closing the door and taking a seat.
Vince stared at him. “What the hell is happening to me?” He asked.
Ran sat back. “My guess is some type of mating fever. This hasn’t happened to you before?” He asked.
“You know damn well it hasn’t.” Vince said. “Humans don’t experience what I’m going through right now. How did you do it? I can’t find any form of enchantment words in the contract or ink, I signed.” Vince said.
Ran frowned shaking his head. “Your not under any enchantment. You’re just experiencing a mating fever. It’s normal.”
“Not for humans.” Vince said.
“Yes. Humans don’t experience what your going through.” Ran said pointedly.
Vince leaned back in his chair tapping his chin. “Where have you been? I’ve been trying to get in contact with you about your case.” He said instead.
Ran smiled. “Working. I have a business to run myself. You are rather bulky and muscular for a human and you favor swords and martial arts to modern weapons. You do realize there are few humans in the horse men. You must have giants in your bloodline maybe a Red Orc.” He said.
Vince stared at him. “I told Sister Daisy I would have to kill Slicer. He is determined to have Ahlar.”
Ran’s smile dropped away. “My wife told me everything you said. He is mean to kill if it comes down to it. You may win the alliance hand but I have rights to kill.” He said.
“You expect me to restain myself if this fucker comes at my head with an axe?” Vince asked.
Ran stared at him. “Barbarian as well.”
“What?!” Vince asked.
“You have Barbarian blood in your veins. I can see it in your stare, however to answer your question no. I don’t expect you to restain yourself. The contract says a best of three bouts. Boxing. Wrestling and finally blunted sword fencing. If he beats you in two the victory is his for a moment until I remove his head. If you beat him in two bouts the victory is yours and I remove his head later when things calm down.” Ran said.
“Slicer doesn’t seem like a male that plays by the rules and he’s fixing to take her any way this goes down. You do know that right?!” Vince said.
“If Slicer is unwilling to go by the rules then fuck him and his clan. It will be war.” Ran said.
“Does Ahlar know this?” Vince asked.
Ran stared at him. “Thank you!”
“Your welcome. But, what are you thanking me for?” Vince said.
“Dispite Ahlar’s behavior. Your gentleman behavior is more then I could have expected but you will not intentionally kill Slicer.”
Vince nodded. “I’m not a murder. I’m a lawyer so I’ll try to play it by the rules. When does the first match begin?” He said.
Ran nodded. “The first bout is tonight. I have made arrangements to have it at a hotel meeting room. Slicer had the option of bare knuckles or gloves.”
Vince leaned back in his chair. “He chose gloves.” He said.
Ran studied him. “How did you know?”
Vince shrugged. “He talks a good game but he has nicer hands then we do.”
Ran nodded. “Easy win for you then.”
Vince shook his head. “He’s a sneaky little bastard though. He made me show my hand early to him. Whose going to be the judges?”
Ran pointed a finger at himself. “Me and the elder of my clan. You just have to beat him two out of three matches either way he’s not getting his hands on my daughter.” Ran said and walked out of Vince’s office.
Vince’s phone rang twice on his desk. He picked it up and saw Ahlar Ran on the caller ID and put his phone back down.
“So what the fuck are we doing here? Am, I getting paid?” The giant blond stripper asked.
Both Vince and Andrew looked up from their work to look at her in surprise. “Paid for what?” They asked.
“Sex or information. What are we doing here?” She asked.
Vince looked at Andrew. “What the hell is she talking about?”
Andrew smiled at the stripper. “Cassandra. Would you be interested in going to expensive places and wearing nice jewelry for a couple of years.” He asked.
“Would this job include, a retirement package and a condo?”
“Yes. All I ask is conversation, loyalty and your lovely presense.” Andrew said.
Cassandra raised a eyebrow. “And, the sweet stuff as well of course?”
Andrew smiled and nodded. “Do we have an agreement?”
“Can I have that in writing? She asked.
Vince chuckled. While Andrew smiled and nodded. “We will write up the terms ourselves and your lawyer can look over them. Are you hungry or would you like me to take you home?”
“Your place or mean?”
“Whichever one you prefer.” He replied.
Cassandra frowned still not convinced and studied Vince’s profile. “Is your mother a Gi?”
Vince looked up toward her. “Yes, she was. Mid range.”
Cassandra sat up and looked at Andrew. “Are you full blood Gi’s?”
Andrew shrugged. “Ethnically we’re mixed. Percentage wise we’re twenty percent, low-born Gi’s. Though Vince and his brother would be higher percentage wise because my departed wife was full blood. Are you hungry?”
Cassandra smiled at him. “What do you wish to know about Slicer?”
Andrew patted her knee. “Whatever information you wish to share would be welcome but we can gather the information from other sources that’s not the reason I picked you up.”
“Will those sources tell you about Slicer’s Orc religious leaning and mating rituals to the old world ways.” Cassandra asked icy tone.
Andrew frowned over that statement. Orc religions and mating rituals were illegal out right in the region King’s country. Though there were loopholes and fake imitations even thoughs could get a human or Orc serious prison time or death if found out.
“Did you engaged in such Orc practices or witness such?” Andrew asked.
Cassandra shook her head. “Hell no.. I only heard comments and conversations resently over the last few months surrounding a Orc girl, Slicer and his brothers are interested in when they were talking at the club.”
“Do they know you heard-“
Cassandra shook her head. “Oh no. They don’t know much about giants and having tits and ass was all they hired me for. They didn’t about giant’s hearing.”
The next morning, Vince was still pissed off and needed to talk to Ron. He left his grandfather at the firm half an hour ago with Cassandra and took off home only to get a shower and change of his clothes. Cassandra had revealed to them enough information on to have him more then a little concerned. Ahlar was in deeper shit then she knew about.
Vince had been trying to get into contact with Ran but couldn’t seem to reach him.
He arrived at their mansion. Daisy was out front in her garder yellow dress and matching hat. She smiled at him but her smile froze seeing his face.
Vince succeeded in forming a smile on his face. He approached Daisy as Ahlar came out the house dressed in pink booty shorts, a white Omega O tank top and no shoes. She didn’t have a bra on. This wasn’t going to work out. He knew she had just come out of the shower. His nose to took in her scent and heat. His mouth watered as he could almost taste her in his mouth. His reaction wasn’t normal though he had been attracted to her the first time he saw but this wasn’t normal. Her chest was thrust out to him in an offering and he doubted she had any idea what the hell she was doing to him by the dumbass blind ignorance on her face.
“Get back in the house. Now.” He told Ahlar.
“Who the hell are you talking to like that?” Ahlar said.
“Come here and find out.” Vince said calmly.
Ahlar frowned at him but she took a few steps toward him before Daisy yanked her back and pushed her back into the house slamming the door closed.
Daisy smiled nervously. “Did you want to speak to me.”
“Yeah. Ah. I ran into a bit of a problem a few hours ago. I had a meeting Slicer at his business.” He said.
Daisy’s smile fell away. “You have to kill him then?”
“Yes. There’s no way around it. I barely stopped myself from shooting him today only because I wouldn’t have made it out of his club alive with my grandfather. I’ll still try to talk to him but he’ll be coming for Ahlar before the champion trial. It would be best if Ahlar not go outside like that until I’ve dealt him. I’ll talk to your husband later.” Vince said.
“What did he say?” Daisy asked.
“Words one should never say about a Omega and daughter of a horseman.” He said.
“What did he say?” Daisy repeated her question.
“He said that he had tasted Ahlar for himself and he wasn’t going to give her up. After that things went to shit quickly.” Vince said.
“That is…troubling but I promise my daughter is still a virgin. Ahlar is-“
“-I’m sorry but I don’t give a damn either way at this point. It is what it is? It’s to late for me to step away. You look lovely today Daisy I hope you have a better afternoon then I had a morning. Please inform your husband I need to see him at the firm or his place of business today. We have matters to discuss.” He said and walked to his car and drove away.
Vince sat next to his grandfather facing They’re clients. Ahlar still looked pissed off at him but he didn’t give a damn.
“Alright. Tell us a story. Who is this asshole and what is this bullshit contract between you and him?” Vince asked.
Ahlar and Andrew blinked at his bluntness. Strangely both Ron and Daisy remained calm at his response.
“Are you always this emotional? I expected you to be cleared headed.” Ahlar said.
“There is some asshole that wants to fucking claim you as a breeding mare and doesn’t give a fuck about you but as a personal slut. If things go to shit during the negotiations then I might have to knock his fucking head off. You look confused. Let me explain I might have to kill this fucker. How the hell should I react? Just please tell me the story and save me the female bullshit.” Vince said calmly.
Ahlar looked to her father. He looked back at her. “He is very right. Enough of your foolishness. Tell him what happened?” He said.
Ahlar lowered her shoulders and sigh. “We were dating in college two years back. It was serious. He was my first boyfriend and I loved him. I thought he loved me. We signed a contract..”
Vince held up a hand stopping her. “Hold up.. You signed a contract with him? Was this before or after he met your parents?” He asked.
“Before.. Gallant said he was nervous about meeting my parents and needed assurance that I would stick to him even if they didn’t like him.” She said.
Vince nodded. “So he knew they wouldn’t approve of him as you probably guessed because he isn’t a horsemen like your father. So when did you realize he was a piece of shit.” He asked.
Ahlar’s face flushed in embarrassment as she came to her feet. “Who the fuck do you think you are?”
Vince waved away her statement. “Sit your ass down and finish your story.” He said.
“What the fuck did you say to me?” She asked with every word laced with ice.
Vince met her stare. “I said sit your ass down and finish your fucking story and don’t leave out anymore details. You heard what I said bitch. I ain’t saying it again.” He said.
Ahlar flinched back at his tone but her nipples became erect under her dress. Her eyes wide. She looked at her parents who looked at her frowning.
Her father caught her gaze. “What are you hiding?”
“Father I-” she started but went silent and sat down when Vince came to his feet.
Vince towered over her. “I want to know what you gave him and what he gave you in exchange for your promise to give him your body.”
“I don’t know what your talking about. It was a written contract.” She said.
“Sounds like bullshit to me. Okay how about I go to him and ask that piece of shit what is. Maybe his claim is legal and legitimate.”
Ahlar met his gaze for a short pause. “I didn’t give him my virginity.”
“Was it a piece of clothing, something with your scent on it?” Vince asked.
“Yes.” Ahlar said with her head down.
Vince nodded. “Alright. Do you want the item returned or destroyed?” He asked.
“Burn it and your bound by convince not tell anyone what it is.” Ahlar commanded.
“Alright. You can leave now. I’ll handle your case. We won’t have to see each again after today.” He said.
Ahlar started to raise but her mother grabbed her forearm and pulled her back down.
Daisy smelled at Vince. “Sir. As per your reward if you succeed in winning the case the hand of alliance would be given to you.” She said.
Ahlar flushed but said nothing.
Vince stared at her. “If I win? Sister. I am a horseman. I will saddle this issue with talk or with a sword. My alliance is to my brother and to reclaim the honor of my house. I will pass on my name to another sister of O. Please, allow my grandfather to show you around the firm. I have private matters I wish to discuss with my fellow horseman.” He said. Daisy flinched at his dismal of her.
Ron waved her to the door. “Leave. Take Ahlar home. She is to remain there until this matter is resolved by her champion.” He said and turned to Vince. “I’ll take that drink now.” He said.
Vince was just getting through the written accounts of what happened about the Orc girl and the Orc that wanted her when Mini came into his office.
“The clients are here. Mr. Delta is greeting them at the conference room.” She said.
Vince got up and put on his suit jacket. He walked down the hall to the meeting room. He came up short for few seconds and frowned at the thick two ladies in silk dresses and the giant Black Orc standing with them.
Andrew was talking to them. Vince didn’t know which one was the younger or older but he catch sight of the taller female’s pin attached to her right breasts side of her dress. It was a golden O. Vince knew that pin and where she would have gotten it. He looked at the male who was watching him and he saw a double H on his suit pocket.
Vince frowned as confusion turned to mild rage. He kept himself in check though. He held out two fingers pushed together to the Orc.
The Orc blinked but returned the jester and held out his hand. Vince clasped his the other male’s forearm and stared at him.
“We ride together…” Vince began
The Orc nodded. “Your battle is my battle…”
“Your enemy is mean to destroy..” Vince said.
“…the riders ride together…” the Orc said.
“…forever. I am Rider Rafe. My given name is Vince of the house Delta.” Vince said in their furturnity language.
“I am Rider Raven. My given name is Ran Ross, it is pleasure to meet another brother.” The Orc said.
Vince eyed him but nodded and let go of his hand. “It’s nice to meet you Mr. Ross. I’m sure my grandfather has treated you well I will be representing you in your conflict with the enemy. Though I don’t see a need to bring to court once I have a chat with the enemy I’m sure I can bring things to a reasonable end.” He said.
His grandfather rolled his eyes at him but Ross eyeing him. “That is not how I want to saddle matters?”
Vince raised an eye brow. “Are you sure?” He asked.
“Yes? He comes from a large family and there are complications. It is better to handle this without starting a damn war the rest of the brothers would have to join in.” Ross said.
Vince scatched his chin. “We need to talk. Come inside. Andrew show the ladies around the place, Mr. Ross and I have to have a private discussion.” He said.
“Excuse me.” Miss Ross said stepping in his way. “This matter concerns me. I have a right to be in the conversations.” Ahlar said.
“Your an Omega. What year did you graduate? You sound and look very young.” Vince asked.
”I’m Twenty-two and I’m a lawyer in magical contracts.” She said.
Vince stared at her. “How old are you in human years?” He asked.
“She is eighteen and a virgin.” Ross said.
Ahlar blushed at her father’s blunt and short reply. “That has no baring on the case. I am an adult and have graduated. We need is a temporary alliance.” Ahlar said.
Vince stared at her. “I have a few matters to discuss with your father regarding double H matters.”
“Which can wait. I wish to discuss the case first. I am your client.” She said.
Vince rubbed his chin and nodded. “Please proceed inside. I have a few questions regarding how this situation started.” He said.
Ahlar nodded and walked inside back stiff. Vince closed his eyes to keep from staring at her ass and counted to ten. He opened his eyes to see the mother looking at him. He bowed to her. “Mrs. Ross.”
“Please call me. Daisy.” She said and the reached forward to trace a finger on the breast pocket of where he had to double H’s swine on his jacket pocket. She held her finger to the letters. “What year did you pledge to the horse men?”
“02. I’m a bit surprised to meet a pedge brother and a sister house.” He said with a question in his voice.
She looked at him. “No. We didn’t know either. Horsemen have several branches throughout the country and in Europe and we were expecting to be dealing with your elder brother.” She said.
“My brother had business to see to so the honor of helping you falls to me sister Daisy.” He said.
“If this can be dealt with legally in single match it would be best.” She said.
“If that is how you wish it to be then I abide by your wishes sister.” Vince said and took her hand bowing over it.
Daisy’s eyes seemed to dance. “Thank you horseman. It is a delight to see the horsemen of the west are as charming as the ones of Europe.” She said and proceeded inside.
Vince turned to Ron. “Damn you certainly chose wisely. Would you like a drink or cigar?”
Ron shook his head. “Later. I want to get this shit over with so we can talk in private.” He said walking inside.
Andrew caught Vince’s shoulder and moved in close to his right ear. “How the fuck do you know these people?” He whispered to him.
Vince stared at him. “I don’t. Ron is apart of my fraternity and his wife and daughter are apart of my sister house. Let’s go. I need to hear the story to this shit now.” He said shrugging off Andrew’s grip.
Vince Delta arrived at the firm early wearing sunglasses and hung over from a late party with his college furturnity brothers. It had been a part business and pleasure event.
Mini Dallas, his asistent met him at his office door with a long cup of steaming hot coffee and clear plastic bag of glazed dounuts.
“Good morning Mr. Delta.” She said in a bright voice.
She gave him a sheepish smile but her gaze was watchful of him. He walked over to her and put his bag down before taking the the cup of coffee and taking a long drink from it. He stared at her.
“What happened, Mini?” He asked forcing the words out.
“Mr. Delta is waiting for you in his office. Your brother didn’t come in today. It has to do with a case they were taking on. Mr. Delta is calling an associate’s meeting in two hours. It doesn’t look good.” She said.
Vince nodded staring at his grandfather’s office door. He headed to his grandfather’s office and got out his phone and started dialing his brother. He didn’t pick up.
– This is Pete Delta. I’m busy at court or with the ladies get back to you when I can.-
Vincent heard the beep afterward. “It’s Vince. Call me. I just want to talk. I don’t like being the last one to know when something is wrong.” He said and hung up his phone.
Vince didn’t knock. He just walked into his grandfather’s office. Andrew Delta was puffing on a thick cigar behind a messy desk with paper documents on it and desktop computer to his right. He didn’t look up.
“I’m busy Vince. Can this wait? Oh. We have a company meeting in a few hours. You need to be ready for it.” Andrew said.
“What the fuck happened?” Vince said softly.
Andrew looked up slowly. “Pete bailed on us. We took on a case and he chicken shitted out. I have to deal with the fall out. We might lose-“
“Pete wouldn’t chicken shit out of a case. He’s the best lawyer we have here. I want to know what type of case it is and how you talked him to doing it.” He said.
“I think you better modify your tone. I’m still your fucking boss kiddo.” Andrew said.
“Don’t give me that bullshit. I’m a partner in the firm and I got a right to know what case you discussed with Pete without me having a word in the discussion.” Vince said.
Andrew stared at him. “Pete gave you a share in his take in the firm?”
“Yeah.” Vince said.
“Fucking shit.” Andrew roared slamming his fist down on his desk. “Now your in the middle of this shit.” He said and picked up one of the papers and shoved it into Vince’s hand.
Vince read over the first lines of the contract and noted how the heading glowed in a purple hue glow. “You took on a magical contract? Are you nuts?” He asked.
“Read the whole thing, not just the damn headline.” Andrew demanded.
Vince did a quick read of the page scanning it and then kept reading until he got the jest of it but he still had one question that didn’t make sense. “How the fuck did you get Pete to sign on to kill some Orc asshole that wants to rape some half Orc bitch.” He asked.
“It’s a legal case. It isn’t like the fucking old days. He freaked out. All he had to do was argue the case and if it came to it. All he would have to do is maybe end it in a boxing match. Pete was a fucking golden gloves champion in college.” Vince said.
Vince stared at him. “You read him the contract right. Line for line.” He asked.
Andrew leaned back in his seat. “I read him the jest of the contract. You know Pete can’t read he has a brilliant legal mind though.” He said.
“Pete is dyslexic not illiterate or dumb. You tried to trick him but he must have figured out you were leaving details out of the case to him. Why the fuck did you try to play your own favored grandson, I wonder.” Vince asked.
Andrew waved him out of the room. “Get the fuck out of here. I’ll deal with this shit on my own.”
Vince held up the contract. “There isn’t a name on who the champion has to be for the girl but there is a line about a debt being cleared if the delta champion is successful the champion’s prize of alliance will be will be put in his hands and the house Delta’s honor restored. I’m guessing the debt is something the firm owes the party we’re representing. How much was the loan? Twenty grand. Fifty grand?”
“A hundred thousand in gold coins, the land this firm sits on and my word of honor. Are you thinking of taking on the case as lead counsel?” Andrew said.
“There isn’t anyone else but me old man. You don’t seem up to the task though it is about your honor and the firm’s money. They can keep the prize of alliance whatever the hell that is. Send the proticulars of the case over to Mini and instead of freaking out the whole damn firm and do something useful and find out where my brother went. I’ll handle things from now on.” He said raising to his feet and walked out to the door.
“Her name is Ahlar Ross. I believe she went to the same university as you did.” Andrew said.
“Nice name? Send the rest of the details to me.” Vince said without looking back.
Vincent Deltaro arrived in the city of Newark with his three brothers dressed in suits they had won off rich nobles in a card game.
He was at the dock get off the boat from Great Highlands and happened upon a human wipping a little fairy girl as he tried drag her away. He spoke to her in elf tongue telling her she was his slave now.
Vincent walked over and stopped the little human by grabbing his hand. The human turned to him glaring and stopped short.
“Let the girl go. You can’t kidnap her in this country it’s against the law.”
“The girl is my servent girl. This is none of your business.”
Vincent looked at the girl. “Child. Where is your people?” He spoke to her in elf.
The girl looked at him in surprise. “This man drugged my parents with strange wine and stole me. I can prove it. Help me, my Lord.”
“Hey. What do we have here, Sir?” A human in uniform came up to them.
Vincent nodded to him. “Hello Sir. This gentleman has tried to kidnap this young lady from her parents.” He said basic human speech.
The uniform man stared at him and then his suit and frowned. “How do you come to know it?'”
“Oh. The young lady told me in her language. I’m sure if we follow her to where her parents are the truth will come to light fine Sir and justice done.” He said.
The uniform officer nodded. “Alright Sir. Let the girl lead us on then.”
“Wait just a damn minute. I haven’t had my say. I was just firing this girl and was about to be on my way.” Human man said tried to reach for something in his coat.
Vincent squeezed his wrist making him scream and bent him over. He looked at the officer. “Sir. If you would be so kind to check this gentleman for a weapon I would be thankful to you.”
The uniform moved fast and searched the man and brought out a stick and revolver.
Vincent stared in alarm at the stick. “That’s a wand. This gentleman is a witch.”
A crowd had gathered to watch the show all backed away at the mention of witch.
The uniform officer nearly dropped the wand but caught it and put it away getting out cuffs and started binding the witch hands behind his back.
The uniform nodded to Vincent. “Thank you kindle Sir. The Region King has a standing law that witches are forbidden on his lands. Would you mind knocking him out so I can take him in.”
Vincent punched the witch on the face knocking him out. The uniform officer nodded his thanks.
“I have to haul this asshole to my wagon. You mind assisting me in getting the girl back to her parents. I’ll need you help in case this fool wakes up though.”
Vincent bowed. “It would be my pleasure to assist you in justice and protection of the peace.”
“What is your profession Sir? Are you a copper such as myself.”
Vincent chuckled. “Of a kind Sir. My brothers and I worked to resolve issues between races by means of counsel or an axe to the head.” He said.
The copper’s eyes lite up. “Oh so your a mercenary. Well you won’t get much work here on that end. You have a fine tongue and quick mind. If your brothers and you are a like you could consider being a lawyer. We could always use a good lawyer that knows how to deal with magic folk and such.”
Vincent bowed to him. “Thank you kind Sir. You are most kind in offering your wisdom to me. I will follow it to the letter.”
The uniform offered his hand to him. “I’m Alexander Brooks.”
Vincent took his hand in a shake. “I am Vincent Deltaro Stonehenge.”
Alexander frowned and shook his head. “You should shorten your last name to Delta. So you can fit in and be sure to keep your mercenary past quiet around here. You don’t want to get you and your family off to a rough start.”
Vincent smiled. “I will never forget your kinds Mr. Brooks.”
Daddy’s breathes came in graspy and shallow. I counted them in my head as his heart monitor was starting to give out.
Damn him.
I had told him to get the damn device put in his chest. Why? Why? Why couldn’t he ever listen to me on it? Damnable pride.
John Henry Jones didn’t answer to no one not even the daughter that had care for him, paid his bills and gambling debts and cooked his meals.. Damn him and his male pride and….
He looked at me. I went over to his bed and took his hand. He stared at me narrowing his eyes. I knew his thoughts.
“I promise. I’ll get the book to the Seed. I won’t let you down.”
His face relaxed. He smiled at me as he died. The doctors and nurses pushed me away. I picked up the old giant leather book from my chair. I backed away as the doctors tried to save him. My phone vibrated in my pocket. That was Chad. I had to go.
I stayed though. Until, it was finally over. They left the room quietly and covered his face. This was it. The paper was already signed. Daddy would get cremation and have his ashes buried next to my mother’s grave..It was over.
No. I still had one more favor to do for my Daddy. One more job that had to get done. Then I was done and on my own.
I turned to go but then stopped. Damn him. He couldn’t leave me nothing but a job to do for him. I wasn’t even allowed to look inside the book.
I looked back at him and went over to his body. His face was frozen with that same happy expression. I looked under his shirt and took the necklace that had the ring.
Leave it girl. Don’t you dare take it when I’m gone. It’s bad luck.
I heard his Warnings in my head from days before when I asked him if I could have it. He had shook his head stiffly and made me promise not to take it. He said it wasn’t right for a woman to have a ring from his thieving days. He said the ring was cursed. But, he never took it off or got rid of it. He always had it sense before I could remember.
I looked at the inscription inside the gold band. JJ x LB.
I knew JJ was Daddy so whoever LB was had to be my mother. If not I was going to find out. I took the necklace from him. I turned to leave and froze.
Chad Whett stood in the door way in a black hoodie two gold chains and black jeans. He stared at me knowing the promise I had made to my Daddy. I put the necklace on and raised my chin at him. “You got something to say shorty?”
Chad smiled. “I’m just waiting for you to come on. We got a flight to catch.”
“Your not-“
“Save it. You’re already losing it. Can’t let that happen. It would effect our business together. Let’s go.” He said and looked at my father. “See you, John.” He said turning and walking away.
I turned back to Daddy picking up the book before I leaned down and kissed his cheek. “Sorry. But, you should have expected it from me. I am your daughter.”
Days Gone Dogg 