Predator's Prey

By Clair McIntyre

Sometimes when it rain, it pours...

Luna Tirenagan believes herself to be unlucky. After all being shot, stabbed, ran off the road twice, nearly sacrificed by a madman and multiple other attempts on her life, would make anyone believe that universe is out to get them. Though despite all that, Luna is actually most concerned about the dreams she shares with a mysterious assassin named Falcon. Dreams that were actually not dreams at all but visions of Falcon's present that have somehow created an unbreakable bond between them.

More to him than meets the eye...

Falcon Moregan is a man use to knowing everything and anything about a person with a single glance which is a skill he regularly uses as a Vampyr assassin. Unfortunately, the one person who is immune to his gift is the one person he'd give anything to know about: Luna. Especially since for the past seven years, Luna's been watching him cut a bloody path around the world much to his annoyance. After all, she's always seen him at his worst but all that's about to change since after seven long years Falcon has finally met Luna in person.

The best laid plans...

For years Falcon has planned to win Luna over but even the best laid plans can be derailed by the unexpected. Unfortunately for Falcon, he has some big obstacles to overcome, like dealing with her phobias, random assassination attempts from 'elite' human assassins and interacting with the murder ghost inhabitants of Luna's hometown. All things that normally wouldn't phase Falcon but he can't shake the feeling that something or someone more nefarious is waiting in the shadows for right moment to strike. Though when Falcon does uncover the real villain behind it all, he realizes that the villain's true aim is about to strike a lot closer to home and may very well turn the long time Vampyr assassin from a predator to prey.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Clair McIntyre
• Release date: Jun 6, 2016
• ISBN: 9781311391636

Clair McIntyre

I live in Courtice, ON, a place google can't find on the map. I spend most of my time driving those nearest and dearest, absolutely crazy, and procrastinating on numerous schemes. I also like to learn so I can often be found playing video games, reading random pages on wikipedia and watching documentaries.On a more serious note, I'm really an open book. I like to seeing the lighter side in life, and though sometimes what I write might be on the darker side, I like to think that even at the darkest point in one's lives, there's always hope.

Book preview

Book One

By Clair McIntyre

Copy Right

Predator's Prey

by Clair McIntyre

Copyright 2014 Clair McIntyre

Cover Art Nathan Duclos

Smashwords Edition

ISBN-13:

Dedication

First and foremost I'd like to thank my family for always supporting me, to Nathan for designing an awesome new cover and to Husnaa, my editor for doing the hard part that every author hates to do.

Prologue

It was a bitterly cold night, as the wind howled and tore through the nearly desolate street. In fact the only person out in this harsh weather was a homeless man who stumbled down the street dressed in rags, thought he seemed completely unaffected by the cold.

In her dreaming mind, Luna watched him take a swig of cheap liquor before he started quietly singing an old forgotten song in a foreign language as he appeared to be lost in an alcoholic fog within his own head.

Luna continued to float behind the unknown man, wondering what madness brought her here this time. After all, this wasn't the first time that Luna had such dreams. No they happened on an all too regular basis, however the man who normally starred in them, hadn't appeared yet.

Looking all around for him, she soon realized that she was all alone with the homeless man who hadn't seemed to notice her presence as he continued to talk to himself in a foreign language that she didn't understand.

Finally the man stumbled out of an alleyway and straight onto a seedy street where three other people; two giant bruisers and a tiny waif of a woman, stood outside of a sleazy nightclub. Though when Luna got a better look at the woman, she couldn't help but let out a gasp in horror when she noticed that woman was actually a girl who couldn't have been older than thirteen.

Luna felt sick to her stomach when she watched that the men continue to drag the half dead girl towards the entrance of the club because she knew what would happen to the poor girl, if she entered it.

"No, no, please sweetie, run away!" Luna called to the poor girl who couldn't hear her.

Luckily, the homeless man seemed to as he asked her, Oh, you want to help the poor girl over yonder?

Then when the homeless man turned his head fully to look at Luna, she finally caught sight of very familiar eyes. Half torn between relief that he was there and horror at what was sure to come, Luna mentally shrugged because anything the man was about to do was far better than letting the girl stay in the hands of those brutes.

"Yes, please save her."

"So you wish it, then it shall be done," the man drawled as he continued towards the group.

Suddenly his singing got louder and raunchier before he stumbled into the huge men.

"Hey mister, you got a light?" He asked in a foreign language.

This time Luna understood him clearly and she had a feeling that it was because he wished her to.

"Get lost deadbeat, you aren't welcome here, since this is our territory," the brute on the left declared harshly.

"Oh? What? Has it got your name on it or something?" The man asked indolently as he pulled out a cigarette.

"Hey, he told you get lost, what part of that don't you understand?" The brute on the right retorted as he let go of the girl for a moment, leaving her in the hands of the one on the left as he took a menacing step towards the fake homeless man.

The man straightened his back, drawing himself up to a full six foot and four inch height before he took out a hidden lighter and lit the cigarette.

Taking a drag, the man let out a slow stream of smoke towards the brute about to attack him before he retorted, I wouldn't take another step friend, because I'm not the type who likes dealing with small fry like you, however, I am more than willing to make an exception tonight if you don't let the girl go.

The two men burst out laughing as the one on the right retorted, Small fry? Did you hear him Ivar? Hey mister, you have honestly made your final mistake.

The thug pulled out his gun ready to shoot the mysterious saviour but the man moved so fast that he was looked like a blur to Luna's eyes. Luna also couldn't see what happened next exactly, since her view was blocked by the man, but she did see the brute on the right hit the ground hard as an instant spray of crimson blood coloured the snow below him.

The man on the left cursed before he let go of the girl and lunged towards the mysterious man. Though soon he was dispatched just as violently as the first. Then once the man was finished with the brutes, he turned to the shaking girl.

In a much gentler soothing tone, he said softly,You really don't belong here sweetheart. So here, I want you to go to this address and ask for a woman named Nicky who will help you, understand?

The girl nodded stiltedly before the man handed her a small piece of paper. Taking it like a life line, she ran up the street like the hounds of hell were after her.

The man turned around and looked towards where Luna was standing. He shed all the rags using his magic and stood in his normal all black attire that one would expect an assassin to dress in. Luna then continued to look at the mysterious man named Falcon who haunted her dreams for years.

"She's safe now, just as I promised. Now, I suggest you wake up because I'm far from finished with these punters tonight and trust me love, you don't want to watch."

Luna let out a shake sigh as she said, I will... and Falcon, thank you.

"Well that's a novelty but I don't need any thanks love. All, I want is to meet you one day."

"I'm sorry Falcon, but I can't let that happen."

"Don't be sorry Luna because one day it will happen, you can count on that. Now wake up!" Falcon declared quietly as he magically pushed her presence away.

Just as she started to fade back into the realm of reality, she watched Falcon kick in the reinforced door and shout, I think I found something of yours!

With that he chucked the two corpses into the room as an uproar ensued.

***

Luna awoke with a start and nearly shot out of bed before she was able to calm herself down. Instantly Luna felt part of herself wishing that what she dreamt had all been a nightmare but she knew differently. Falcon was a real life being whom she was inexplicably tied to, something she saw as both a curse and a blessing.

After all, he was a ruthless assassin but from what she had witnessed time and time again, he only ever went after the absolute worst of the worst. Though seeing him wage his personal war and the heavy toll that he paid over and over again, it made Luna realize a long time ago that she couldn't burden him any further with her own cursed existence.

So she had done the only sensible thing, which was to hide from the world and Falcon. Since she knew with absolutely certainty that he really was hunting her. Luckily, she had managed to stay one step ahead of him but she knew that it wouldn't last and Luna had the feeling that her life was about to take a very dramatic turn.

Chapter One

Falcon heard a knock at the door before he walked across the room and opened the door. Looking at the man lounging against the door jam staring back at him, Falcon let go of the door and stepped backwards.

Hey Mydnyte, your boyfriend's here again, Falcon declared before he sat back down on the winged back chair in front of the fire and continued to read the paper, effectively ignoring the man across the room.

You really do know that I'm her husband right? The other man asked in exasperation.

Falcon picked up his coffee and took a sip of the bitter dark liquid before he replied, Oh I know.

So, why do you continue to call me her boyfriend? Come on, you're a grown man and surely a little thing such as your elder sister being married shouldn’t upset you.

It doesn't, Falcon replied savouring another sip of his coffee.

So why do even bother to antagonize me? The man asked.

Falcon folded down one corner of the paper to look at his sister's husband Trey, before he responded nonchalantly, because it bothers you.

Falcon, stop troubling Trey and did you even offer him any coffee, baka? Nyte asked him as she came barrelling into the room.

No, for since he lives here, surely he can pour his own coffee?

I can yes, although why are you here exactly and drinking coffee out of my coffee pot to boot? Trey demanded.

I'm just passing through and Nyte asked me to stop by to go over my Russian job...

... Ugh, I really don't know why you can't remember details, or I should actually say you can't be bothered by them. Tomorrow night you are suppose to go to Estonia, remember?

Nope.

Good Light, do I really have to run this by you again? Mydnyte demanded.

Nope, Falcon responded as he took another sip of coffee.

Mydnyte scowled at him and stated, Hold on, what do you mean that you don't need to go over the details? You just said that you didn't remember it.

No, I just really can't be bothered as you've said.

Still you should go over this again, so you’re not missing anything important.

I don't see the point, dear elder sister, since the job is already done already.

Mydnyte started to curse him out in Japanese just as Trey snorted in laughter. Falcon shrugged his shoulders in response to their reactions because he didn't understand why people made such a big deal out of these things. After all, he did his job and took out the villains of the world, why did he need to care about the particulars, like which day it was done or what the target's name was? Although when he had said that to Luna once in the past, he remembered her response well.

"How do you know that they are really villains? After all, you should never judge someone without knowing them."

Falcon's response to that had been swift, he didn't need a name to know of someone's crimes since he always saw it first hand through his magic. Though that wasn't something he had told anyone about before and it was what made him a very good assassin but it could also bring him a lot of grief.

Mainly since he could read everything about a person, if he chose to and he meant everything. He could also special ‘sight', another way to mentally single out his prey. Which was kind of hard to explain but when Falcon set his sight on them, they literally glowed with a bright gold light to him no matter what. So all he needed was a picture of them to get that ball rolling and all that other basic information about them became inconsequential.

Hey, are you listening to me? Mydnyte asked Falcon, cocking her head.

No, Falcon said honestly as he looked up at her.

You know Falcon, I really do appreciate your honesty but sometimes I wish you really weren't so blunt...

Well, if wishes were horses, beggars would ride, Falcon retorted.

... or so sarcastic.

That isn't sarcasm that's wit, Nyte.

Trey snorted again as he replied, He has got you there Nyte love, that is wit.

Ah! English is so frustrating! Anyway, as I was saying when you were obviously not listening to me, is why didn't you notify anyone that the job was complete? Nyte asked in Japanese.

I didn't want to because another small fry job would pop up and I didn't want to take it right now, Therefore I decided to stay off the books temporarily, Falcon responded in the same language.

Small fry job? What does this mean? Nyte asked in confusion.

It's a minor job and think of it in terms of a small fish in a big pond. Now I'm not happy with the sudden influx of small fish jobs, so I decided to take a small breather by not mentioning that this job was complete.

Why can't you just take a normal breather like the rest of us? Trey asked as he rubbed his temples.

It's too troublesome, since all the punters out there will think that I'm getting old and they'll grow bolder with their evil intents.

Okay, that I do understand but surely you could mention this to our dad secretly and he would lessen the cases for you, Nyte pointed out.

Dad has already lessened my cases, hence all the small fish, when I really should be harpooning all the giant sharks out there. Dad's also been on my case too, about taking a vacation from the assassin's council.

Well you do need one, it's been what a hundred... Mydnyte started.

... four hundred and sixty two years, give or take a year, since I've last been forced to take a vacation, Falcon said finishing his sister's sentence.

Nyte cursed Falcon out in Japanese again as Trey let out a low whistle before he finished off his coffee.

Man and here I thought I needed a vacation. Jeez man, you're seriously telling me that you haven't taken a break from council jobs in that long? How's that even possible? I mean, normally the council stops giving jobs for a couple years every century to give us a break.

Oh that's easy because when I'm for off council jobs, I take Vampyr ones and when I'm off those, I take Animalia ones and I continue to cycle through them. I also prolong my jobs by following around the punter for weeks at a time to get their routine down before I make my move. It also scares the...

Falcon! For the love of the Light, why won't you take a break? Nyte demanded.

No rest for the wicked, you know, Falcon retorted mildly.

He refused to tell his sister the real reason, which was the fact that he was driven to kill evil on a daily basis and a small part of him didn't think he could stop. Falcon also didn't like anyone knowing his business, like the time when his aunt and uncle had found out about Luna for example, that had drove him mental.

That information had also trickled through the family but his dad, being very similar in nature to Falcon, had quietly put the matter to rest. In return, the only thing his father had asked, was that Falcon to come to him before he did anything that could be considered going off the deep end.

Falcon could live with that but first he needed to find answers and he knew just the person who could give them to him since she had powers similar to Luna's, a long time ago. Not wanting Nyte or Trey to become suspicious, he talked to them for a few more hours before he said his goodbyes and left.

Walking back out into the cold rainy street, Falcon raised his face up to the sky and let the rain wash over him for a moment.

Soon Luna, soon I will meet you, Falcon thought before he disappeared into the night.

***

Mydnyte watched Falcon disappear from the privacy of the lace curtain in her living room window. She sighed just as her husband wrapped his arms around her.

It'll be alright Mydnyte love, Falcon is a tough old war bird, Trey murmured as he kissed her neck.

Yeah he is, but that's part of the problem. Falcon doesn't handle people very well, especially on an emotional level. Which has caused most people to see him as a very arrogant person or someone who is detached from this world, which is partly true. Falcon is detached from this world but that's because he sees everything differently. I just worry that, that will hinder him when he truly meets the woman that he's been searching for.

It will probably be rough going for him when he truly meets Luna for the first time but as you are aware Nyte love, dream sharing bonds cannot be maintained if one or both parties are not receptive to another. We both also know that Falcon is still sharing dreams with Luna after four solid years so she actually knows his character better than any of us. Though I won't lie, I'd love to be a fly on the wall when Falcon tries to woo his lady love because something says he's going to go off the deep end to impress her.

Dad thinks the same thing which is why he asked to me to let Falcon be but keep an eye on him from afar. I talked to Skull and Anya, and found out that they've been asked to do the same thing. I just can't help but worry about him though, Mydnyte said as she turned around and buried her face in her husband's chest.

Trey kissed the top of her head and hugged her tightly.

It'll work out my love, I'm sure of it. Now, I have an idea about what to do to rid you of those worries.

Nyte snorted as she looked up and retorted, I just bet you do.

Wanna find out what it is? Trey asked her softly.

Yes I do and this is why you are my number one husband, Mydnyte responded.

Hey! I'm your only husband, what's this number one business? Trey demanded.

"Baka, I mean you are the best! Seriously, why did you think of something so strange when I said that you are number one?"

Mydnyte love, English is not so much what you say as how you say it, Trey chided.

Nyte let out a sigh before she returned in Japanese, This is why I speak Japanese because what I say, I mean. Anyway, you had an idea that you were about to deliver on, unless you truly weren't about to fufill it...

Trey didn't say anything as he swept Mydnyte up into his arms and she let a small noise of laughter before her thoughts briefly dwelled on her brother.

Stay safe Falcon, she thought before her attention completely turned back to Trey.

Chapter Two

Falcon appeared outside his family's home in Kilderheeth and stood for a moment because he felt like he was at war with himself. On one hand, he was at his wits end with this whole business but on the other hand, he refused to let anyone know how much Luna was affecting him, it just went against everything he was. Although he did know of two people who had faced a similar situation years ago and both were family members. The first one being his Uncle Phoenix who would definitely tell his father his woes since he was his father's best friend for the past ten thousand years.

Falcon's Aunt Raven, on the other hand, could keep the matter quiet. Granted her silence would probably come at a price, but if that price would allow him to vent his frustration out on some fool who dare thought that they could harm his family then Falcon welcomed the price.

Making up his mind, Falcon walked into the main hall and immediately sought out his aunt's presence. Though bizarrely enough, he spotted her immediately, sitting on the steps of the main stairs with his young cousin Aislyn, sitting beside her. He was also shocked by her appearance too because Aunt Raven usually had long black hair that reached her mid back though currently it was streaked hot pink throughout, and had been cut so that it graced her shoulders.

Falcon lifted an eyebrow up quizzically at her as he tried to think of a reason that would prompt his very regal aunt to randomly streak her hair with a neon colour.

Aunt Raven merely acknowledged his presence with a nod but held her hand up as if to say one minute. Completely dumbfounded again, Falcon waited for exactly one minute before he heard a timer go off.

Right Aislyn sweetie, mummy is out of her time out but remember, no matter what, we don't solve our problems with our fists first. We tell the bullies to stop and we only fight when we need to defend ourselves. That being said, mummy isn't really sorry that she hit the miserable man, but she is sorry that she taught you something very bad, Aunt Raven said as she lifted Aislyn up in her arms and hugged her daughter.

Aislyn understands mummy and Aislyn promises that she won't hit a bully first but Aislyn is glad, mummy hit the mean man who made her cry.

Whoa, who made Aislyn cry? Falcon demanded, all ready to defend his toddler cousin.

Aunt Raven sighed and said, We were out shopping for clothes this morning and I decided to take Aislyn to a park in the human world. Some ... miserable S-O-B, said something nasty about Aislyn's looks, so I beat him with an inch of his life. Aislyn was still really upset about what he said, so I streaked my hair with her favourite colour so that we'd both have streaks in our hair. Though when we returned I realized that resorting to violence first was wrong since I should have called him out, so I put myself in an eight minute time out to correct that error. Aislyn refused to budge from my side, so she ended up sharing my time out, didn't you, my little love?

Yes, because Aislyn loves mummy very much, Aislyn replied as she hugged her mother tightly.

Okay, I get the lesson but still, I'm more than glad you did resort to violence. I mean no one should ever pick on a three year old, let alone Aislyn, the sweetest little girl who ever lived. I'm more than willing to finish the job, Aunt Raven, you only need to say the word.

No thanks, I'm sure six months in traction will teach him that lesson. Now it's been a while since you've graced us with your presence Falcon and how are you faring of late?

I'm good and sorry it's been a while.

Yes, Aislyn missed Falcon lots, Aislyn said as she frowning at him.

I've missed you too, sweetie, Falcon said as he ruffled her hair.

Aislyn let go of her mother and reached for Falcon. Carefully taking Aislyn out of her mothers arms, Falcon hugged her and kissed the top of her head.

After a moment or two, he returned Aislyn to his Aunt Raven's arms before she promptly stood up and carried Aislyn down the hall to the kitchen. Falcon frowned when he realized that something was missing.

Hold on a tick, where's Jack? Falcon asked when he noticed that Aislyn's familiar was missing.

He's out with Phoenix hunting, Aunt Raven said simply.

Falcon nodded as he knew that by hunting, she hadn't meant animals but enemies of the Vampyr. Unfortunately, a lot of them had gone to ground in recent years as if they were trying to ramp up to some large attack, though his family would have none of that. So instead they were making preemptive strikes, especially Uncle Phoenix and his father. Falcon had planned to join them soon but he had the feeling that his father was deliberately trying to keep him out of the situation. He also seemed to have teamed up with Falcon's maternal grandfather, Erebrus the Draggenin of Death to make sure that Falcon and his siblings had got corrupt humans and other low end assassin jobs.

That hadn't actually galled Falcon or any of his siblings, because although their father wasn't an outwardly emotional man, he was still very protective of all them, especially when something big was about to hit the fan. Falcon understood the need to protect family well and everyone who knew him said that he was most like his father, which Falcon took as a compliment.

Right, I know something big brings you here but I'm going to demand that you stay here for the night, not as the Queen but as your aunt. Honestly you look like H-E-L-L and a good meal plus some rest will do you a world of good.

I can hardly turn that down now, can I? By the way, why are you spelling things out? Falcon asked.

Refer to our earlier conversation about not teaching Aislyn bad things, Aunt Raven retorted.

Mummy doesn't like to say bad words either, Aislyn chirped.

That's right, sweetie.

Falcon couldn't help but find it interesting that, his tough as nails and well feared aunt was a complete loving mama bear when it came to Aislyn. Though Falcon had a feeling that she'd be like that with any child she and Phoenix had. Unfortunately she also seemed to have this constant worry that she'd be end up being a bad mother. Which couldn't be further from the truth for she loved Aislyn fiercely and was rarely outside of a twenty five foot range of her daughter. Not to mention, in those few instances when she was, she was either taking care of an emergency or Uncle Phoenix had pushed her to go out with her new friends.

Falcon understood why she was like that because his paternal grandparents were pure poison according to his Uncle Conalai. Case in point, a lot of the Vampyr enemies that Falcon had mentioned earlier were actually his grandfather's henchmen since his grandfather was trying to overthrow his aunt and uncle, which to Falcon, was the be all and end all of betrayal. His grandmother was just as bad too, since she had recently created her only league of assassins to take out Aunt Raven, after she had killed Laika, her half sister, who was trying to murder Aislyn, when she was a newborn infant to magically fuel Laika's sick depraved life.

Falcon could care less about his paternal grandparents or their lackeys because they would all soon realize that the House of Galadin, which was the ruling house that his aunt and uncle had formed, were not to be messed with because his father, his siblings and their families would take on anyone together.

Turning his attention back to his Aunt Raven he asked, So what's for lunch?

Chicken balls! Aislyn squealed in delight.

Yes, that's right, we're having chicken balls and fried rice for lunch because it's one of Aislyn's favourites dinners Raven responded.

Uh huh though Aislyn likes all of mummy's food, his cousin responded.

I agree, your mummy is really a good cook, Falcon said.

Raven placed Aislyn down on a booster seat before she summoned crayons and paper. Placing the materials in front of Aislyn and Falcon watched his toddler cousin start to draw a picture.

Then he looked up at his aunt who summoned up all the ingredients she needed before she started cooking.

Once lunch seemed to be underway, Raven looked at Falcon expectantly.

Do you think I'm cursed? By this dream sharing, I mean? Falcon said at once.

Raven did something unexpected, she burst out laughing.

Falcon frowned at the reaction.

Forgive me Falcon but really? That's the first thing you think of?

Well what else could it be? Falcon demanded.

Raven snorted again as she said, Did you never stopped to think that this could be something good?

I don't see how since an anonymous woman who watches me... hunting through her dreams, couldn't possibly be a good thing.

Well if anything, you're more honest with her than anyone else.

I don't lie to anyone, Aunt Raven because I am who I am, for better or worse, Falcon retorted.

Yes that's true, you don't make an effort to hide your nature at all. Not to mention, you're standoffish and belligerent to everyone outside of family, granted, sometimes you are that way with family too. Although, tell me Falcon, do you treat her kindly?

Falcon frowned at the question before he admitted, Not really.

Are you sure? I mean you don't warn her to wake up before you go on a spree?

Falcon sighed before he said, Innocent people shouldn't witness such things.

So you do end up shielding her then?

Of course.

And if she pleads with you to save someone, do you?

Falcon sighed and refused to answer that one because he knew it would be a telling answer.

Falcon? Raven prompted.

Falcon scowled at her, completely refusing to answer.

So you do then, well, that is something in itself. Now look Falcon, whatever lies between you and Luna, you must face it head on but with a great deal of tact which I know you can possess when it suits you. Not to mention, I must say it, you have to find her soon.

Do you not think I've tried? I'm still angry that you let her go years ago by the way.

I do regret that Falcon, but your Luna is a real rare breed of Ritana. I also saw something in her eyes that said that there was something that she had to do first before she could walk by your side but recently my dreams tell me that she can no longer walk alone because she's in grave danger. Just please don't go overboard, promise me that.

When have I ever gone overboard? Falcon demanded.

Raven didn't say anything as she instead summoned up a foreign newspaper for Falcon and flicked open the front cover to show him the headline. Then she arched her eyebrows at him before she put the paper down.

Things happen to bad men who treat innocents poorly, what can I say? Falcon responded tactfully.

"Yup and daddy said bad people face the powerful kah-ma! Aislyn wants be a hero like kah-ma when she grows up, " Aislyn chirped.

"Kah-ma? Hold on Aislyn, do you mean karma?"

"Uh huh, kah-ma," Aislyn responded.

Do you know what karma really is, sweetie? Falcon asked gently.

Uh huh, she is somebody who catches the bad guys in a big net.

A big net? Falcon asked.

Uh huh and then PC Bobby takes the bad people out of the net and to the police station where they get a big time out!

Who told you that? Falcon asked intrigued.

Daddy!

Okay that makes a whole lot of sense now, though hold on who's PC Bobby?

Our local police constable in Avon-Upon-Tyre. He's a good man... Raven started before her phone went off.

Wiping her hands she answered the phone with a frown.

Hello PC Bobby, what have they done now? ... Is that right? ... Alright I'll be there soon enough, take care.

Raven hung up the phone and slowly shook her head, Speak of the devil, that was the good constable himself. It's seems my illustrious husband and your father are currently locked up for the moment after taking part in a riot. Light! I just can't wait to hear their excuses.

Uh oh! Daddy's in big time out! Aislyn said with a dramatic sigh.

It's alright sweetie, it's just a big misunderstanding, I'm sure of it. Now mummy's going to finish making lunch and...

Big cousin Falcon is going to watch over you while mummy goes to get your daddy and mine out of a kerfuffle, Falcon said with a wink.

What's a ker-fuff-elle? Aislyn asked pronouncing the word slowly.

It's a big mess.

Oh... daddy causes lots of kerfuffles then, Aislyn giggled.

That is so true, Raven snorted.

Falcon let out a small snort of laughter too, but he also couldn't help the fleeting thought that Luna had caused a kerfuffle in his normally staid existence as well. One that could have all sorts of consequences for both of them.

Chapter Three

Falcon listened to little Aislyn as he smiled, and he understood why little Aislyn was considered to be the heart of the Vampyr family. Mainly because before Aislyn was born neither his father nor his father siblings would talk to each other. Instead they guarded their emotions and dealt with everything by themselves. Then after Aislyn was born and the whole Vampyr council debacle ended, they became closer than ever. Granted, they still didn't say much to each other, but around Aislyn as well as his twin cousins Mysti and Rain, everyone relaxed their guards, since no one wanted the children to become as standoffish as they were.

Midway through lunch, three wisps of dark smoke appeared suddenly as his father, his uncle Phoenix and Aunt Raven returned.

I seriously can't believe you two. Inciting a riot at your age, really how gauche, Raven admonished Phoenix.

Hey, I take offence to that. First and foremost, age is only a number and secondly, that blighter started it.

Daddy that's a bad word, Aislyn admonished him.

Sorry, sweet love, daddy will pay the jar, Phoenix said as he put twenty dollars in a cookie jar by the sink.

Twenty dollars per bad word? That's really steep, Falcon stated mildly.

Nah man, it's a dollar per bad word, though I always pay mine at once because I know I'll probably slip a few times.

Twenty times is hardly a few. Good graces, there is over five hundred dollars in this jar already and it's only been a fortnight. So please promise me you won't beat last months total of a thousand and sixty pounds please, Raven declared with a sigh.

Hey that's not all me, your bloody brothers pay it too, Phoenix said as he sat down to the left of Aislyn.

He leaned in to give his a daughter a hug and a kiss just as Falcon felt a pat on his back and looked up. His dad looked at him for a long moment with a small frown.

You look like hell son, everything alright? Wulf asked in concern.

I'm fine really, though you are the second person to tell me that today. Why didn't you pay the jar?

I put my ten pounds in this morning, and unlike some people I barely use it up.

Phoenix snorted, Everyone's got to be a critic. Anyway, hey sweetie, can daddy have one of your chicken balls?

Nah uh, Aislyn said as she shook her head.

What? You won't spare one for your daddy? Phoenix complained.

Nah uh, Aislyn responded.

That's not nice Aislyn because daddy's super hungry.

You are not since I know you got a cup of tea and a ham and cheese sandwich in the clink. In fact I watched you wolf them down, Raven retorted.

That's not enough to feed a grown man like me, especially since I've been knee deep in punters for over a day and a half, Phoenix responded.

Daddy, Aislyn will share with you when you say magic word because mummy says that everyone has to say the magic word.

Phoenix looked to Raven in confusion as he retorted, "What the hell is this magic word business? I hardly think 'open sesame' makes sense when all I'm asking for is a chicken ball."

That's because it isn’t I-D-I-O-T. She said a word, singular but since you seem to need a hint then I'm going to tell you to mind your P & Qs .

Uh huh, mummy says that, 'the hardest job kids face, is learning good manners without seeing them,' Aislyn repeated slowly, scrunching up her tiny face as if she was trying to remember all of it.

Okay, I'm seriously impressed by that. Good job sweetie, that was really awesome, though where do you think mummy came up with that? Wulf asked.

Um thanks and Aislyn thinks mummy came up with that all by herself cause she's super smart like Princess Celestia! Aislyn squealed in delight.

It's actually a Fred Astaire quote but close enough. Anyway, love you lots sunshine and thanks for the compliment, Raven said as she moved around the table and hugged Aislyn before she sat down.

Who is this Princess Celestia? Falcon asked baffled by that.

She's one of of the My Little Ponies, duh. Seriously Falcon, how do you not know about My Little Pony? Phoenix retorted.

I don't and I'm assuming you’re talking about a television show now, to which I will add that I haven't watched television in goodness knows how long.

You haven’t seen the ponies? Not even once Falcon? Aislyn asked in toddler shock.

No sweetie, I haven't.

How 'bout the Carebears?

Sorry, no.

Ruby Gloom?

Falcon shook his head.

Shaun the sheep?

Falcon shook his head again.

Thomas the Tank Engine? Everybody knows about Thomas, Aislyn said in barely a whisper.

Ah, Thomas, I know him and he's a very useful engine, if I recall.

Aislyn dramatically wiped her brow with a sigh as she said, Oh thank goodness, though Falcon you're missing all the good TV.

"That's right Falcon, you are. Now, can daddy please have a chicken ball,