Zaphira's Flame's
chapter 16

We spent a few hours in the basement, using Alex as target practice. I got a few hits on him, but they healed quickly, but his clothes weren’t so lucky.

By the end I actually got the hang of it, my fire and I are becoming one. “We should head up. Raphe should have been down here by now.” “Something’s going on with him, he’s a lot more stressed since the attack.”

Alex nodded, but I can tell by the look on his face, that there’s something else he’s not telling me. “What is it? What aren’t you telling me?”

“Look don’t tell him I told you, but it’s not just the rogues that have him on edge.” Taking a deep breath. “He has been trying to replace out who is was that turned you.” “He has? Well has he found anything?” He shook his head. “No he can’t figure out who it was. You can’t tell him I told you. He has to be the one to tell you, on his own.” I nodded. “I won’t tell him I know. You can count on me.” Wandering through the house, there is still so much of it I haven’t seen yet. I still can’t believe that for a man that lives on his own, he has a huge mansion like this.

It must be so lonely for him, here all on his own.

Moving closer to his office, I can hear voices, his and someone else’s, it’s a woman’s voice, and they sound very agitated.

“We have taken out a group of them, but they came back with full force. We need help.” “I understand that. But they aren’t strong enough yet.”

There talking about us, shouldn’t we have some say about what we are and are not ready for?

Alex knocked on the door as we walked in. Raphe looked up from his screen, frowning at Alex’s burned clothes. “What is it Raphael?” The angry woman asked from the computer. “It would appear that we have some visitors with us. Come.”

Alex and I stepped up behind Raphe so we can see the computer screen, where he has been talking to Elvira. “Well it is lovely to see you again my dear, hello vampire.” Alex growled at her, tightening my grip on his hand, to try and calm him.

“It is good to see that you all survived the attack. Which I was about to tell you about. We have taken out some of the vamps, but as we do; they keep coming out with more. We cannot win this battle alone.” “Do we know who is in charge?” I asked folding my arms over my chest. “No. But we do have some leads. The wolves have left town; just to be safe. As you know, most wolves and vamps don’t mix. But we do have all the demons we have on this. We have wards all over, to protect what is ours; but it won’t last for long. We need more help.”

“What could we do?” I asked. “You’re a cop. You have access that most of us don’t have, you could get information for us.” I was about to say yes, that I will help but Raphe beat me to it.

“No absolutely not. She is not strong enough to go to the station yet.” “I’m sorry raphe, but yes I am. I won’t be there alone, you and Alex can come with me, and help keep my emotions in check. If I can help, then I need to help, we have to help.” He gave me a look. “I won’t them rouge vamps take over, and destroy my city.”

Sighing, he nodded. “Fine we will help, but only to an extent. If I see that you are not in control, then I am pulling the plug on this, is that clear?” “Crystal. Thank you Raphe.” Turning his attention back to the computer he said. “I will call if we have something.” “Thank you.” They hung up, and turned back to me, I can tell that he is very upset with me.

“Get changed both of you, and we will go in and talk to your boss. Z do not ever do that again.” Bowing to him, Alex and I left, heading to my room. Closing the door behind us, Alex said. “Why did you do that?” “Do what?” I asked pulling off my shirt, not caring if he sees me in my blue and black bra. “You went against his wishes. He didn’t want you to do that, and to be perfectly honest, I don’t want you to be doing this either.” “I’ll be fine. For a short period of time I will be back where I belong. That job was my whole life, then it was gone just like that.” I said snapping my fingers. “I need to go back there, even if it is just for an hour or so.”

Coming up to me, he gently touched my cheek, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. “You are the most amazing woman I have ever met. In all my years on this planet, and trust me there have been a lot, but there hasn’t been anyone like you.” Smiling up at him. He’s a few inches taller than my 5/9 his almond curls fanning about his head.

“Do you really think that, or do you say that to all the girls?” Leaning down, his lips a hair brush from mine. “Only to you.”

He didn’t make any move to kiss me, but do I really want him to? Known him for years now, but do I really want him to kiss me? Making the decision, winding my fingers into his hair, I pulled him down, pressing our lips together. Moving he maneuvered me to the wall, never breaking the kiss for a second.

Pressing his body into mine, he groaned feeling my body tight against his. Slowly moving my hands over his body, feeling all the burn wholes from when we were downstairs. Gently still kissing him, I pulled off his shirt dropping it to the floor. Feeling his skin, there’s no signs that I ever threw fire balls at him. His phone went off, making him stop for a second, but only long enough to check to it is, and resumed kissing me, until it went off again.

Breathlessly I said. “You really should get that. It sounds like it’s important.” He nodded, but didn’t move, just stayed there, staring at me, like he wants to eat me or something. Moving back he answered his phone.

Since he’s now busy, I grabbed some clothes, and went to the dressing screen that Alex got for me.

“It was Raphe.” Alex called coming up to the screen. “He said to be ready to leave in five. I need to change. I will come back to get you.” “Alright. Thank you.” He swung something over the screen holding the hanger to me.

“What is this?” “You need to wear this. It will help if something happens. There’s also a bracelet you have to wear.” Taking it from him, my hand brushed his. “Thank you Alex.”

I waited until I’m sure he’s gone. The door connecting our rooms closed, and I stepped out, still holding the hanger in my hand.

It’s a red and black dress, with long sleeves, it reaches a little past my knees, but it feels weird. Pulling off my clothes, I stepped into it. I have no idea how the guys at the station are going to react to me wearing this.

Stepping into low heeled shoes, that don’t belong to me, the guys must have bought me all this, but I don’t really want any of it.

Picking up the bracelet, I had a closer look at it. Two gold bands intertwined, with a gold medallion with flames on either side of it; clipping it to my left wrist. Stepping into the bathroom, I brushed my hair, and pulled it back.

My door opened and closed; stepping out Alex is standing there clean shaven, clothes now burn whole free.

Dark denim pants, shoes that look like biker boots, dark red shirt and leather jacket.

Looking me up and down, making me feel warm in ways that shouldn’t be making me feel warm inside.

“You look beautiful. Come, Raphe is waiting for us.” I nodded grabbed my gun and badge, and Alex helped me with my jacket.

Taking my hand, we walked down the front door, descending the stair case; Raphe is waiting there, with two other guys that I don’t know. Stepping down, they all smiled at me.

“Good you’re just in time. Alex you know my good friends. Zaphira this is Fipaz and Xneba they are both fire demons like us, and good friends of mine.” Shaking their hands, they kissed the top of my hand. “It is very nice to meet you.” “You as well.” They both said looking at Alex. “What exactly are they doing here?”

I asked looking from them to Raphe, and back.

“They are here to protect you and us. Those vamps are still out there, we need the protection.”

Sighing they led me out to the car, a large black SUV with black windows, and I think there also bullet proof. Opening the doors, Alex got on one side of me and Raphe on the other, our two guards are in the drivers and passenger seat.

This is a little over board, but I didn’t say anything, I know it won’t make a difference no matter what I say.