"Richard Aiden, I hereby crown you the King of Crimson."
I smiled as I stepped forward holding the golden garnet decorated crown in my hands Rickey locked eyes with me and watched me carefully before bowing his head down slightly so I could place it on his head.
I wish it wouldn't be inappropriate to kiss your beautiful lips right now.
Rickey's voice sighed into my thoughts and I felt another smile tug at my lips as he turned to face the crowd.
"I vow as my first task I will find Lord Zadicus for Jason, Luna- and all of us, and I am beyond thankful for the trust that you all are giving me today and I promise it won't be in vain."
Everyone stayed silent as the carefully watched as Alexander stepped forward.
"I'll take any questions the press may have now."
Thankfully no one had really asked many details about the Zadicus situation other if there were any new leads that we could discuss. To top it off, the ceremony wasn't much of a social event so everyone who didn't need to stay quickly left.
"Oh honey, watching you up there reminds me of when you and Jason had your first public speech" Erin beamed as she rushed over once Giovani walked away with Eric.
I smiled at the thought and Alexander frowned as if he were disappointed in her mentioning of his name.
"It's okay, Alexander- honestly as long as it's okay with Luna I'd love to hear some stories" Rickey must've peered into my thoughts as he looked at Alexander then to me.
"Oh I have many, and I do believe I should be getting to know you better Mister Richard" Erin smiled at Rickey.
"I was really hoping she wouldn't call me that tonight" Rickey chuckled.
"You can ask her whatever you want, not like I have anything to hide" I shrugged.
"You are so much more open now, I'm so happy for you Luna- truly I am" Erin looked at me now, her eyes still sparkling with pride.
"Well, thankfully I have kept my circle well."
"Was she not always?" Rickey's eyes shifted back to me.
"If it's okay with you two- and knowing Luna she's itching to get out of that gaudy thing, may we please change first and I can meet you back at the house?" Erin offered.
I nodded.
"You are very right on that- thank you I didn't want to be rude"
She shook her head smiling.
"You never did like wearing it- I know that more than anyone, except maybe Alexander poor dear, but yes I will meet you back at the house in the living room within the hour!"
She picked up her long flowing purple velvet dress and flashed out of the room.
"I missed her cheerful spirit being around" Joshua chuckled.
I smiled a big smile.
"So did I, I'm going to enjoy her company for a while."
"I have to admit, this felt shorter than the first time" Jarred chimed in as he walked up.
"Surprised, considering you had to give a speech" Alexander chuckled.
"Honestly? I just kept looking at Luna for some guidance" Rickey shook his head before letting out a laugh.
"It gets easier I promise" I put a hand on his shoulder and rubbed it softly.
"Now lets get home!" Jarred yelled with excitement as he rushed off towards the door and I shook my head.
☾☾☾
We all settled into the back of the limo as Matthew started it and headed home.
"So what happens now, Alexander?" Rickey asked with a shaky breath.
I could feel how tense he still was. I suppose one of the bonus's of the blood bond was that I didn't even really need to read the whole room, his feelings flowed into me as if they were my own half the time.
"Well you should be taking Jarred's place since he was only meant to be a failsafe but if you need time-"
"I meant what I said that night about making Jason proud, I may not want the position if I were honest, but that doesn't matter." Rickey cut Alexander off.
"Whatever the big man says Alexander, wow it's gonna take some time to get used to that normally that's my thing" Jarred frowned looking at Rickey before chuckling.
Rickey winced, but it was hard to tell the reason as to why. Was it the thought of him taking Jason's place or was it that he was feeling that his boss was doubting his ability?
"Don't worry, Seth's been doing a good job in your place it'll be alright until you get settled then you can come back to play with me" Jarred reassured.
The way he used the word play, made me think things were a lot worse sometimes than Jarred like to lead on, but it wasn't my place or my business. It had never gotten in my way so far and I knew he wouldn't let it.
"I know, besides it's not like you and I can't still have our guy's night out- right babe?" Rickey looked over to me with a smile.
"Of course, just you'll have some extra security is all- perhaps more than before"
He shrugged.
"Sounds fair enough to me, minus when I'm with you of course right?" he looked over to Alexander now.
"Technically yes- but while we keep up the illusion we'll play it safe"
"I do have a godess by my side afterall I doubt anything could get passed her after what I saw" Rickey pulled me to him before placing a kiss on my cheek and I rolled my eyes.
"You're exaggerating" I poked his nose.
He looked down at me his eyes serious.
When will you doubt just how amazing you are? You died over and over, yet here you are in perfection and breathtaking fashion might I add.
His voice murmured in my thoughts giving us a moment of privacy.
That may be true, but you know I'd rather just be normal.
I responded keeping my eyes locked on his.
Thankfully you aren't, because I would have lost both of you.
He reminded me as Jarred cleared his throat.
"You know, normally I'd love to cheer you on buddy, but that is my little sister-"
There was a loud smack and my eyes flickered over to Jarred and Joshua and Jarred rubbed his arm.
"Trust me, you didn't want to hear what was going to come out of his mouth" Joshua apologized giving Alexander a small smile and Alexander just shook his head.
"So what are you doing when we get home?" I looked at Jarred.
"I'll probably hang around for a bit- maybe the whole day haven't decided, Jeff's at work so" he shrugged.
"Take it the him quitting his job talk didn't go well?" Rickey chuckled.
Jarred groaned.
"No, he told you about it? It's so stupid, we could have so much more time together-"
"Don't you technically work though?" I raised a brow at him.
"I mean yeah- but it's not strict on times and what not, it's different"
"Why because he works a normal job?"
He shook his head.
"I can 'call off' if you will, move things around- I'm the boss, he has to ask his"
I guess it made sense. I had to applaud Jeff for wanting to make his own money though. It's not like Jarred and him were even married, would they even? Jarred never was serious with most people he dated, but he seemed to treat this relationship much different.
"I don't know, Jeff's stubborn and annoying as fuck sometimes so good luck" Rickey shook his head and I rolled my eyes at him.
Siblings.
I thought to myself trying not to laugh.
☾☾☾
Erin quickly made her way downstairs with a sigh.
"I'm so sorry- I realized I hadn't unpacked yet those things were a bit of a mess"
Erin was now in a pair of dark washed skin tight jeans and a olive toned long sleeve shirt.
"You're fine Erin really, we only got down here maybe five minutes ago" I laughed.
I brought my knees up onto the couch and moved closer to Rickey.
"So, you were Luna's caretaker you said?" Rickey asked as she sat down on one of the couches and she nodded.
"I was her first and only personal assistant during that time, though as you know Alexander does a lot-if not most of the work I took care of her more personal matters like her dressing, baths things like that, I also helped her transition into her higher status teachings and things of that sort"
He chuckled.
"Sometimes I forget that used to be a thing- the servants and all that I mean I know she-we still have some for cleaning the house and what not, but it was very different I assume?"
"Much different, but things evolve and so did she- eventually Luna and Jason became uh- well you know, he would help dress her and things. She was where she needed to be for a young lady so everyone had decided to let me go and live a normal life"
She paused with a frown.
"However I will admit, it was like losing a child that day- though I was very thankful for the chance, as you know many of the guards and everything take this job until death."
I closed my eyes as I leaned into Rickey as I listened to them talk.
"Things were also much different then though. . . Luna was very hesitant to form any type of relationship with people, she was concerned they would be put under a threat of Zadicus too, and so eventually she would shut most of them out or ultimately push them away."
She wasn't wrong, maybe it was because I was so much younger so I let fear control me so much more, maybe it was because I didn't have a way out yet within reach. . . Though I kept everyone else with me guards were needed to an extent, and they offered themselves to me even if it meant their life.
"It seems like you're doing well though no? Paris and all" Rickey commented.
"Oh, I live comfortably I will admit- it is a forever perk and I even work at a coffee shop believe it or not" she laughed.
"I will admit, when I first saw the three of you come out I wanted to reach out- but I didn't know how. . . we have gone quite some time without talking, but seeing how you were with them then- and seeing how you are with her in person and how you handled things since I got here I must say I am very impressed, though I will admit I'm not too surprised Luna does happen to choose very well" I opened my eyes feeling like I needed to finally chime in.
"I'm sorry Erin, truly I am- I didn't mean for us to drift so much. . . I am forever thankful for your place in my life, even if at times it has seemed otherwise"
I gave her a smile.
She shook her head.
"Oh like I said- you're like a daughter to me and sometimes daughter's must leave their nest, they fight, you know all those things. Though I will admit I have my own small selfish reasons for coming back like this" she frowned bowing her head down and I stiffened slightly, but Rickey gently stroked my arm making me relax again. This bond was starting to come in handy more than I realized was possible.
"Jason gave me a letter once, he instructed that I could only open it once he was dead of course- from what I gather he gave everyone one, he had requested me to come home for a time and once again hopefully be of some comfort to you, but being as this was before Mr. Rickey here I believe that is not very necessary but after all I do owe him his last request."
I nodded.
He really did think of every last detail. . . even my own mending of feelings. Though given the difference in my letter I presumed her letter was given to her way before he even started mine. Now I had to hide the worst kind of secret from her. . . That I knew where the monster was.
"I understand, either way I'm thankful for you being here"
"So am I, I don't get the chance to really hear about Luna's past too much" Rickey chimed in.
"Only because you don't pick up any history book" I rolled my eyes at him before laughing a bit.
"Luna! You can't hide things from your husband to be- that isn't fair" Erin scolded me.
I frowned.
"I do no such thing, but covering over five hundred years is a lot- and if I were to be honest it's quite a blur"
"When we would move Alexander used to go over her new life story over, and over again kind of brainwash her till she remembered it- she found it so annoying she just would try to avoid conversation all together when we were out."
Erin explained.
She wasn't wrong, everything Erin had said to Rickey was right.
"Well, I can tell you that much hasn't changed" Rickey responded with a smile before placing a kiss on the top of my head.
"Oh? I'm surprised, especially I know you're quite the social person"
"Uh, I mean yes- we go out, but aside from anyone in our group she doesn't talk and usually it's just- was just Jason, her and I and maybe Jarred" he shrugged.
"Other than his new occupation Jarred seems to be doing much better I must say" I sensed that Erin was trying to change the conversation, I wondered if she knew about Rickey's past too.
Given how she felt about me I'm sure she wanted to question him on that and I couldn't help, but almost giggle at the thought. I knew she wouldn't do it in front of me.
"He is, I'm sure you heard about his new relationship- he seems really serious about it" I cut in.
"Some things I saw about it- he's always been very good at dodging the press when it's most needed, but I'm glad" she smiled.
"You uh, you were here when he was mourning his wife right?" Rickey asked clearing his throat clearly unsure of how to ask.
"I was."
She paused for a moment seeming to look for her own words.
"He- like Luna was very reclusive, he was worse in fact for some time once he did come out- he was self destructive, so believe it or not if he has found some way to manage really it's a miracle" she chuckled.
"Oh don't worry, he still gets into trouble" I rolled my eyes.
"You don't even know the half of it" Rickey huffed and I laughed.
"Hey, don't push your luck just because you became King today"
I looked over to the archway to see Jarred standing there with a smile on his face.
"Oh Jarred, give him some slack he hasn't even settled in yet" Erin scolded.
Jarred frowned at her before walking over to kiss her cheek and she rolled her eyes.
"So I've never asked you- is that like an Italian thing?"
Jarred sat down on the couch beside Erin before we all looked at Rickey confused.
"What do you mean?"
"Jarred- at least that I seemed to mostly notice usually greets and leaves most people with a kiss on the cheek- or is he really just that big of a flirt?"
Erin tried to hold in her laughter as she covered her mouth.
"Oh that, yes it is an Italian thing- Jason and I being in the position that we are though usually made us stray away from that because it was 'frowned upon' or something like that, so that's why we don't."
"But also, he is a flirt" Erin added.
Jarred looked over at her and frowned.
☾☾☾
"Well, I think we're going to turn in for the night- if you need anything I'm sure Jarred or you know anyone will be more than willing to help including myself" I offered.
"Thank you, I appreciate it I assure you I am perfectly fine" Erin gave me a reassuring smile.
"It was nice getting to know you though Rickey, I look forward to getting to know you even better"
"Same to you" he smiled.
"I'll be heading over to your place tonight Rickey- just as a heads up" Jarred chimed in.
"Alright, watch out for Sierra though man- she seemed pissed"
Jarred only scoffed and Erin started lecturing him as Rickey and I headed upstairs.
"She's nice, I will admit she's very cheerful compared to most" Rickey laughed and I looked up at him watching his eyes for a moment.
"Mhm, she's always been that way she used to tell me there is always a glass that is fuller than the next you just have to find it."
I shook my head opening the door to my room.
"Should I be worried?" he asked and I looked at him confused.
"About?"
"She gives me protective mother vibes and I really would hate to get on her bad side"
I laughed walking back over to him draping my arms around his neck reassuringly.
"There's nothing anyone can do to keep me from you, but I will admit she could press you for details and or answers on things- she has my best interest in heart, besides I thought you didn't care what anyone thought?"
I grinned at him.
He smiled looking down at me before pushing a piece of hair behind my ear.
"Well I didn't know you had someone like Erin in your life- surely if Jason requested her being here she must be very important to you"
I reached up and touched his cheek for a moment looking into his ocean orbs for a moment.
"She is. . . though between you and I, I believe her letter was written much before you were here."
He looked at me puzzled and I shook my head.
"Nothing to be worried about- I just didn't want her feelings to be hurt"
He nodded and I stepped away smiling before making my way to the bathroom.
"I'm going to take a shower real quick"
"I'll be here."
He shouted as I shut the door to the bathroom. I quickly undressed and got into the shower. I was happy things went so smoothly today, no one seemed to want to disrupt the peace. I was surprised there wasn't any small threat the past few days if I were to be honest.
I looked up at the ceiling as the warm water rolled down my body. I wonder if Jarred was going to run into any issues with Sierra at Jeff's tonight, the situation with Italy worried me most if I were to be honest. I was looking forward to that region being covered now. Things were going so well for a moment. . . I shook my head trying not to loom on the past. I should try to talk to Jarred about him moving though perhaps before he leaves for the night.
I quickly stepped out of the shower and dried myself off with a towel and made my way back to the bedroom and into the walk in.
"Everything okay?" Rickey asked as he leaned in the doorway of the walk in.
"Yeah, I just realized I needed to talk to Jarred real quick before he leaves so I'm going to go downstairs."
"Alright, I'll stay up here then" I slipped on some clothes real quick and tossed my towel into the hamper and rushed my way downstairs and walked into Jarred's room.
"Yes?" Jarred responded as his back remained to me as he tapped away on his phone.
"Do you have a few minutes?"
I looked him up and down realizing he had already changed his clothes to something more comfortable before turning around.
"Sure, what's up?"
When I was met with his eyes though something was wrong. I could feel he was uneasy, but why?
"What's wrong?"
"You came to me I don't know why you're asking me" he shook his head.
In the pit of my stomach I knew something was wrong. Especially when it came to Jarred- whenever I would call him out he'd never try to fully hide from it. Was he high or something? Not even an hour ago we were laughing and having a great time. His eyes didn't look high. . . I gave him another quick glance and my eyes caught his fingernails. They were suddenly painted black- but not freshly like they had been chipped a little and Jarred just a few short minutes ago didn't have any nail polish on. I took a small breath of air hoping he wouldn't notice. Jarred- or the person that looked everything like him even down to almost his exact smell, but not quite. . . With my sudden new observation it was clear this person wasn't.
"Come on tell me, you always tell me."
I said calmly stepping forward.
"Nothing to hide sweetheart" his voice suddenly purred.
That was not like Jarred at all. Though he may sound like him even and I'd be lying to myself if I denied the disgusted shiver I felt from it. Though I was curious- if this wasn't Jarred, who was this? Was I going crazy? I mean they looked the same, as I looked closer he had a neck tattoo just like his too. Maybe it was Jarred?
So I did something rather bold, even though it was hard to do and the thought repulsed me I reached out to touch the man's arm stroking it softly. If I was wrong this would be incredibly embarrassing.
"You just seemed so sad earlier. . . you didn't even come up to check on me" I gave him my best fake frown and sad eyes.
He watched me for a moment giving me a small smile.
"Luna, we've been around each other a lot- I didn't need to come to you anyway, you came to me instead"
It was so fucking creepy looking at this almost carbon like copy of him. He even sounded the same the more he spoke. Would he crack first or would I?
My thoughts were stopped when I was quickly pulled to the man's chest in a tight grip.
Rickey get down here in Jarred's room now.
"Listen, my dearest Queen of Crimson, I need you to relax for a moment" his voice was a little huskier now as he bent down to whisper into my ear softly as I tensed preparing to break out of his grip.
I quickly broke out of his grip without responding first and went for his throat but he ducked.
"Who the fuck are you?" I gritted my teeth as I lunged for him again, but I hit someone else instead and I blinked as I heard my fist crack.
"Seth, do you remember our rule?"
I looked up and was met with- Jarred's face?
I stood up straightening myself and I blinked as I saw the two figures standing beside each other. They looked like twins, even down to their height. . .
"Don't even start with me jackass-"
"What's wrong Love?" Rickey's sudden voice said calmly behind me and I looked at him in the doorway.
"You sounded like you were in trouble-"
"She was in trouble? Please she tried to kill me the moment she figured me out" the man huffed.
I looked behind me again to see the man shoving Jarred out of the way and he looked down at me and I felt my chest let out a low growl.
"Luna relax- he won't fucking hurt you" Jarred muttered tugging on the man letting out a sigh.
"This is Seth. . ."
"I'm sorry- are you telling me she's never met Seth?" Rickey interrupted.
"No, unfortunately he has not allowed me the pleasure of meeting the gorgeous Queen- though I do probably know just as much as you" I winced at the man- Seth's words.
It was a little unsettling hearing such flirtations coming what looked like my brother in law.
"I will admit this explains a lot. . ." I finally spoke, part of me oddly wanted to touch his face to see if he was real again.
"Oh?" Seth raised a brow.
"Well he said you'd been bothered a lot by the press- I'm assuming they think you're him- given that you look disturbingly identical- they think you're him don't they?" I reached out to touch his face.
"Mhm, indeed they do."
He let me touch his face watching me carefully as he stood still.
"Down to every tattoo might I add" he gave me a wink like it was an invitation to see him naked or something.
"So what the fuck just happened? Did you try to hurt her?" Rickey snarled marching up behind me and I moved my hand off his face and he gave me a small smile.
"No, though I did restrain her for a brief moment when she went to kill me- she found me out, impressive by the way" he commented.
"You did what?!" Jarred shouted.
Seth turned around with a roll of his eyes to look at Jarred.
"Sorry boss- but did you want me / you to die?"
Jarred face changed and he huffed.
"Fine you have a point. . ."
"So. . . is someone going to explain" I waved my hand over them both.
"This weirdness."
"Seth is my left hand man. . ." Jarred rubbed his face before sitting on the edge of his bed.
"I think there's a bigger fucking thing I mean" I snapped.
"Va bene, calmati per favore" he muttered.
(Okay calm down please)
"Sembra una dannata copia carbone, suona persino come te!" I shouted back.
(He looks like a damn carbon copy! He even sounds like you)
"È sorprendente non è vero?" Seth beamed in a perfect Italian accent.
(It's amazing isn't it?)
I looked over at Seth with wide eyes and he looked so proud. Like he won the lottery or something.
"And he speaks Italian?!"
"Well of course- he speaks every language I know that's the whole point- why are you here anyway?" Jarred tried to ignore the obvious still.
"What are you hiding from me?" I asked.
Seth looked at me and then to Jarred unsure if he should answer first but then he rolled his eyes.
"As much as I normally love playing the guessing game, and I enjoy being you and Mafia Capo- I can't be for forever"
My eyes widened.
"Did he just say what I think he said?"
"Now you've done it. . ." Jarred mumbled as he shot Seth a look.
"Alright that's it- everyone sit the fuck down!" I pointed to the bed.
"You sure you don't want me to lay down on the bed? Maybe with-"
"I will gladly beat the shit out of you Seth" Rickey cut Seth off with a growl and Jarred yanked Seth beside him on the bed as Rickey say on the other side of Jarred.
"Lets start from the beginning, who are you- to my brother and why are you talking about the Mafia?" I said calmly as I crossed my arms.
Seth sighed looking at Jarred.
"Well, I started dating him for a short while- after he made me take a damn DNA test because he was so surprised. Started working for him, under wraps of course- then while we were hanging around some people they seemed easily fooled in general so Jarred and I got matching ink- whatever he was missing from mine he'd get and vice versa, he taught me Italian. I already knew Romanian and Russian, and uh yeah."
Seth leaned back to rest on his elbows and Jarred rolled his eyes and shook his head.
"So he became my left hand. . . he's the one who does the extreme dirty work that I either don't feel like doing or can't be bothered- whatever no questions asked, for a lack of better comparison he's a worse version of me"
"Some even say I'm the Devilish version of him- hence the left" Seth winked at me as he cut off Jarred.
"Anyway, so when I was worried about how Zadicus would react and everything that plan only heightened, for the most part no one realizes that we're two different people I mean fuck you see him so he's able to fill in for me at the moment-effortlessly might I add, we just make sure we mentioned where we stop so if 'we' go back their later that night we aren't caught off guard"
"Is that what that girl meant the other night?" I asked.
"Mmm Lily? Yes, she's had us in the same room"
"A little more than that" Seth chuckled.
"You two are avoiding her other question, so if you won't tell her I will since apparently Jarred has done a great job at keeping his personal life separate" Rickey huffed.
"I started noticing you were pretty laxed about what Jarred did, part of me thought well in our lifestyle I guess it wasn't too risky or something; I don't know I just didn't really think about it and then I realized he never bothered to mention he runs the Mafia."
My jaw dropped and I stepped toward Jarred.
"Remember how a few years back I was practically flushing money down the toilet and you and Jason were beyond freaked I would sink us in debt or something?"
Jarred tried to stay calm as he rubbed a hand through his hair.
"Yes. . ." I said slowly.
"Being that Alexander also gives me money- you or whatever losing a few million those six months wasn't really anything to me, the clubs I run and own? The bars? They are legit, but I do run drugs through them also."
He shrugged and Seth laughed shaking his head.
"I can't believe you thought he'd tell her Rickey"
"It's his sister for fucks sake" Rickey glared over at Seth.
"Yes, who's also the most powerful vampire in the damn world- aside from that prick in the basement."
My eyes widened. How did he know that? Did someone else know?
Instantly I had my hand around Seth's throat squeezing it tightly as I looked down at him.
"How do you know that? No one is supposed to know that" I growled and he grinned with a small sparkle in his eyes. He was probably honestly enjoying it.
"Luna, I know everything there is to know about you almost- I unlike some people pay attention to history, but also Jarred didn't want me completely blindsided by you ever- so when you pulled your little stunt as thrilled as I was and flattered, I know just how blood stained your hands are."
He rasped as I tightened my grip before I released him and he rubbed his neck cracking it.
"Not all of us are book nerds" Rickey scoffed.
I glanced over at Rickey then back to Seth.
"How old are you?"
"Two hundred and twenty one."
"How do you two look so similar and have no connection?" I murmured as I stared at them side by side.
"He's not even Italian- which is the craziest part to me, he's Romanian" Jarred chimed in trying to clearly break the tension.
"I'm not surprised you figured me out though- though I will admit it was a disappointment that it was so quickly, Hell even Jarred's boyfriend didn't realize" he laughed and I cringed at the thought of what he meant.
"You're still an ass for that you know, I almost lost him because of that merda" Jarred shook his head and Seth frowned.
"You need to put your damn dog on a leash" Rickey muttered.
"Aww, what's wrong? You jealous? I mean if she doesn't mind I'll sleep with you too, or if you'd fancy something more. . ." he trailed off.
I blinked at Seth's lack of hesitation. He was really just going to hit on him like I wasn't even here.
Telling you, he has no boundaries.
Rickey's voice said quietly into my thoughts while glaring at Seth.
"No thanks. . ." he responded to Seth.
I shook my head.
"As for the big secret- the big lie rather I suppose, I had no choice but to know- don't worry though I'm on your side if that weren't clear enough already, if you want I'd be more than willing to offer a torturing hand with him" his smile suddenly looked sinister and I fought the urge to shiver.
He seemed like he was every carnal part of Jarred just in a separate body, he didn't seem to be bothered by anything he had done- let alone what he was offering.
"With your supervision of course."
He added and I just watched him for a moment in silence.
"Love, you alright?" Rickey broke it after a while.
"I need to talk to you alone." I looked Jarred in the eye and he nodded.
"Get out." Jarred snapped and Rickey quickly got up and headed for the door and Seth waited for a moment and got up then walked up to me and bent his head down to my ear.
"You're more than welcome to take that offer too, believe me it'd be an honor Ms. Queen of Crimson" he whispered before quickly flashing out the door grabbing Rickey with him and I heard a yell of protest from Rickey.
"I'm gonna have to talk to him about that. . . I'm sorry but I made you guys a deal" Jarred started as he got up.
I shook my head.
"No, I know you did and honestly you've done an amazing job- clearly, but I think we can both agree hiding the mafia information was probably not wise. . ."
He nodded.
"I won't argue, it wasn't an easy choice, as you know though for the most part I'm like a ghost- I haven't had a hit on me since I first took over."
"How long ago was that?"
"Twenty five years ago, I know you're upset about the private information but I had to for public reasons. . . I had him learn everything- we spent so much time locked up together, I'll be it doing a lot of drugs and uhm- anyway but as you can see everyone falls for it, between you and I it even works on Rickey sometimes"
"He feels different to me. . ."
Jarred laughed.
"Well if you recall the rest of us don't have some of the abilities you do, I figured maybe you could shrug it off- is it that bad?"
"It's almost like he lacks a soul" I said bluntly.
"Well, then you know why he has his nickname don't you?"
I nodded.
"Seth get in here!" Jarred shouted.
Quickly Seth opened the door with an annoyed look on his face.
"Am I in or out? Make up your damn mind" he complained.
Jarred waved him in and he followed.
"Roll up your sleeve."
Jarred said flatly. Seth did as he was told and rolled up his sleeve to reveal the very same tattoo Jarred had gotten when he needed to take my place temporarily. Then it dawned on me.
"That's why you did a tattoo instead. . ." I said softly as I stared at his arm.
"Mhm, I wasn't going to put your blessed blood in someone else like that- though I will admit he is a big supporter of you so he would have been more than willing"
"In fact I offered even a blood promise in return" Seth added as he rolled back down his sleeve.
"As heartless as I may be, I understand how important balance is. That man has never offered balance, at least in the time that I've been alive and from what I've read he's never been a complete saint. You were until he fucked that up for you, but yet you still value balance."
I looked up at his face now and into his eyes.
"You don't regret what you've done do you?"
He gave me a malicious grin.
"I have indeed killed people, stole, destroyed, and tortured. . . though I still want the world standing."
I looked over at Jarred for a moment with a raised brow.
"You realize he's a psychopath right?"
Seth laughed.
"Well if I weren't, he probably wouldn't have as much use for me"
He was probably right though.
"Are we good then?" Seth changed the subject.
I nodded.
"Just never try to play me again- understood?"
"You have my word Ms. Crimson."
He bowed his head. This was the first time he hadn't seemed sly about it either.
"Just. . . just call me Luna no one really calls me that" I let out a small laugh and he nodded.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzrRSLXHPv
