Chapter 104

Chapter 104
A/N: I’m Back! I’m so sorry that I have such a busy irl schedule. But there Will be uploads!
Noah
“That’s not what I think it is.” Said Equestos in complete shock, but the black book was on his desk, filled with the perfect cursive of a language I couldn’t read scribbled in Lucian’s handwriting, confirmed by Jerold.
It was only the five of us in here. Equestos, Beck, Johnny, Jerold and I all stud in a circle, with the chief’s office door closed. To make triple sure no one else could hear, the room was soundproofed with a combination of additional magic, and preexisting padding in the walls. I mean, I managed to get Lucian’s personal contact book.
The way I got it, we couldn’t use it for evidence, but it was a step in the right direction. With it, we could scan through it and figure out who the vampires deal with, and what exactly they’re up to… But I know it’ll be legal whatever we’ll find in here… I doubt they were dumb enough to write down anything that would compromise them.
“I know that address. The same goblins that own The Gold Lion Bar own that warehouse here in Bison.”
“I bet that’s where the lab is.” Said Equestos. “You don’t shit where you eat and all that.”
“Plus, Bo’s not upper class; he’s just trying to get in the door.” Said Johnny. “From what I heard, he’s the only one who knows how to process the stones….. So, I bet he’s here trying to make it cheaper. At least, my instincts as a goblin tells me that.”
“Well, I’m out. That’s too high brow for me.” Said Beck.
I mean, he wasn’t wrong… He may be a vampire lord but so is Rolland. Unfortunately, he’s stronger than the detective, so someone else will have to investigate them.
“Then I’ll leave the goblins to you.” Said Equestos.
“And I’m out with my folks.” Said Johnny. “I’m already blacklisted; I don’t need a knife in the back.”
I wasn’t surprised about that either but hearing that he was an outcast for trying to do the right thing made me feel for him. I believe the force has its own chapter for goblins, vampires, and other fae who are excommunicated because of their position. Unlike unicorns, humans, and werewolves, some of the fairies, those who are undead, and troll-folk deem officers as ‘snitches’.
“….And they won’t invite you to the Blood Ball.” Grumbled Jerold. “I’ll have to be…” he sighed, “Someone important.” He said that so disappointed he may as well could have kicked rocks with his head looking at the ground.
“Sounds like someone is excited to attend the Blood Ball.” Smiled Equestos. 
\[Fuck no I’m not\] Jerold snorted, which got a loud laugh out of Beck especially.
“I’ll go before I hear something I could repeat.” Said Beck, taking a small paper cup from Equestos’s little coffee bar before walking out.
“I guess I could stake out the place. Word on the street is that those stones pop when you throw them hard enough.” Said Johnny.
“That sounds like a new weapon.” I said thinking out loud. “I mean, who’s to say that someone doesn’t buy a bunch and put them on some arrows or use it in a slingshot?”
“The issue is that right now, it’s too rare and too valuable to just toss around, not yet.” Said Johnny. “That won’t be forever though. If they’re using a whole warehouse, then I can only assume they’re experimenting.”
“Either way, I’m going to put you two on the vampires. They’re up to something gathering in such numbers.” Mumbled Equestos. “Johnny, since you can’t go with Jerold and Noah, or Beck, I’m putting you on the orphanage. Two werewolf pups went missing.”
“I heard about that. Since that demon disappeared, both fae and mortal kids alike have been goin’ missing when they go out, or a caretaker isn’t around.” He said scratching his chin.
“Yes, and they’ve been advised to stay indoors. I got the half demon, Officer Gedlin on it. You remember him, right?”
“The weirdo, that don’t eat meat, don’t smoke, drink, or do Anything fun?” He huffed. “Yeah we worked on the specter haunting case.” Johnny complained.
“Why didn’t anyone tell us?” I asked with concern. That sounds bad.
“You guys weren’t here.” Said Johnny. “But I’m on it.”
“True.” I said looking out the window. “I hope you find them alive.” I said honestly, but the three of them looked at me strangely. It was a combination of pity, sadness, and a silent anger that wafted around the room for a second.
“Depending on what’s takin’ them…. I won’t wish that so soon.” He said cryptically before leaving.
The door closing was the only sound in the room for a moment. That was heavy what he said, and I wondered… I wondered but almost didn’t want to know what specific case turned his stomach enough to basically say ‘dying isn’t the worst thing that can happen to a person.’
“We’ve had incidents of Hunters finding our orphanages, but those aren’t as bad as organized flayer-changelings, or skin-wearers as some people call them.” Said Jerold. “… You become the skin you wear and all that.”
I blinked twice.
“What.” I said hearing them, but I thought the stories about people who look… too generic stealing parts to make themselves more unique. There was a local legend my father told me about it. In the forests lies men who wear bear skins, and they become mighty beasts…. But I assume doing that to fae is against the law.
“Yeah…. But those are so rare Jerold. The chances of that happening again is probably close to Zero.” Said Equestos. “I had to take a 3 hour shower after that one.”
“They aren’t that rare; this side of the Mississippie is just not as populated.” Grumbled Jerold.
“I’ll add a werewolf officer to the case….Just for insurance.” Equestos said honestly. “I didn’t originally want to, but that you all bring that up makes me want this to go a little faster.”
\----Jerold-----
Velvet already sent word that he’d be there before I was. I would make sure my mate was safe while we’re surrounded by the fake snakes that slither under your feet, waiting to bite your ankles.
I knew most of the vampire lords that will be there, and as much as I didn’t want to make either Rolland or Lucian look good, I needed to hear for myself what their plans for the city are.
Vampires control most cities they live in. Even now, they’ve arranged who will be the next mayor, what laws they’re about to make, and when they will be enforced. It doesn’t take much to rule a city when they have nearly unlimited funds and time to manipulate markets, and corrupt politicians.
That’s not the part that worries me… the part that does is that my mortal mate will be surrounded by undead who could be compelled to attack him at any moment as well. With Velvet there serving as personal security, really, I just need an extra set of eyes.
He’s going to have to be right next to me.
My eyes won’t leave him. It almost makes me wish I just came by myself, but I didn’t say anything in front of Equestos. Noah’s not a child! I won’t belittle him, but maybe I should have said something? I didn’t want it to sound like I didn’t trust him as my partner, or that he can’t handle himself.
…. I didn’t want him to think he’s just… I don’t know, decoration. A pretty face that’s allowed to come around difficult cases only when daddy gives permission.
“Don’t look worried for me.” Noah said that still messing with his hair, but it looked good. “I’m 100% positive Rolland needs this party to be perfect so he won’t allow any mishaps. I’m sure getting a king from another fae kingdom killed would ruin any chance of takeover.”.
“You’re right…” I admitted. “I hadn’t thought of that.”
Noah adjusted his tie, looking good wearing all back. With his now slicked hair, he examined the cufflinks I kind of discarded, but he thought they were cool. They were some made by the Elf King when we were bored as fuck at one of the Holy Seat’s inaugurations. I can’t remember which one… they die so fast since the Church has a tendency to anoint men in their 80’s… but I never used them.
And now on him, I think they looked good. The solid gold, ruby eyed bull’s heads on him looked like he was my king. 
“Here, let me help.” Said Noah, whose hair was too short to put in a manbun, but that didn’t stop him from doing it to me. I bent down, and let him. I didn’t realize I let it get so long. “Maybe he’s bored?” he asked.
“…. I think…. I think I want to bet on that.” I said with a small smile. “If Lucian’s letting Rolland take over because of boredom, I owe you a wish. Anything you like within my ability. Whatever your heart’s desire, whatever wish of me I could do.”
“Is that a fae deal?” He asked holding out his hand.
My hands felt a little itchy; like the day I met him.
Weird.
“It is.” I said shaking his wrist. “If it’s some other dumbass reason, I’m going to toss a dart at the globe I have downstairs, and that’s where we’ll vacation for a month again.”
“Oh, that sounds fun. Damn…. I really want that wish though.” He huffed.
“What would you wish for dear?” I asked with a grin.
“I’m not telling.” He smiled, stealing a kiss. As he craned up, I bent down again and felt the sparks, but now they held definition. Fuck I don’t want him hurt….