The head was held on only by a thin piece of skin. The wound wasn't a clean cut it was rushed and jagged. The edges of the wound were rolled back and painfully red. The skin and muscles were cold and already crystallized. The muscles shone dark red and glistened when Paris shined the light on them. A few threads of muscles hung from the head and neck.

There were fibers in the wound. At some point, there was a scarf around the neck, I'd bet on it. I'd have to ask Doyle to see if they'd found one or not. The blood had already begun to congeal. I moved down the body but there wasn't any damage done to the chest area that I could see.

I moved back to the main event. I put my hand on the chin, wanting to get a better look at the other side, and the head flopped over with a horrible meaty sound. What made it even worse was when one of the eyeb.a.l.l.s fell out and sat on the cheek. It just hung by a thick strand of gooey flesh.

I got up and hurried around the corner. I put my hands on the building and puked my guts up. It was a good thing I only had coffee to bring up. At least I didn't get it on the crime scene. Paris came up behind me and put his hands on my back, trying to comfort me. I stood up, left with the sour taste of bile in my mouth.

I heard laughing coming from behind me. I didn't have to look to know it was Evans. I knew that laugh anywhere. "What's wrong, Wolf? Couldn't handle it?" he yelled, trying to laugh and talk at the same time.

"Screw you," I grumbled.

I removed the latex gloves. I didn't have to focus to know that recent magick had been done; it had danced along my skin since I got close to the crime scene. I looked around. There weren't many looky-lo's, so the killer had moved on to the double event.

I needed to talk to Doyle. I took several long strides to give him the bad news. Doyle and Evans already had their pens and little notepads out, ready to take notes. Evans still had a grin on his face, but he didn't say s.h.i.t.

"Okay, I have a lot to say so please hold your questions. Four months ago an item from the Realm of Relics was stolen. It was Jack the Ripper's surgical kit. Some of the items at the Realm hold the soul of the last person who owned them, and let me tell you most of them aren't Mother Theresa," I said, holding up my hand. "This kit has a curse on it and it's very real."

Doyle and Evans wrote everything down. "Are you saying that we are looking for someone recreating the White Chapel murders?" Doyle asked, looking ill. He reached in his pocket and pulled out his cigarettes. I really didn't think that it was going to help change the facts. He lit one and returned the pack and lighter to his pocket. A white nicotine cloud came from his mouth.

"Yes, in essence we are looking for Jack himself," I said. With those words, a cold chill ran up my back.

"You have got to be kidding!" Evans stated in disbelief. "From what I can remember about the Ripper, he did murders four and five only hours apart."

I looked at them both and nodded. "I think you need to set up surveillance on a woman with the same or similar name as the fourth victim. I also suggest looking for a road with a similar name to where that victim was found. Any questions?"

"Logan, that could be anyone," Doyle stated.

"I don't know what to tell you. But you need to get moving on this, now," I answered. "Time isn't on our side."

"Wasn't the last murder the most brutal?" Evans asked as if he were trying to catch up on current events.

"Yes, Mary Kelly was the only victim brutally dissected and the only one killed indoors. But we don't want to get that far," I answered.

I watched them finish writing. "Is this person aware of what they're doing or that they're ... possessed?" Doyle asked, lighting another cigarette. With his long drag, the end turned a cherry red, and with an exhale a cloud of smoke hung over his head.

"I'd have to guess that they don't know. The only way to get this person is to catch them in the act," I added. "It's a man; I got a vision earlier today. I don't know who it is, though." It was nice that I didn't have to try to convince Doyle that possession was possible and real. I mean, I was their expert and they trusted me to know my s.h.i.t.

"Do we know how to free the person of the cursed item?" Doyle asked, taking a long drag off his cigarette.

"Well, I believe if we just take away the surgical kit with everything still inside it that should do the trick. I mean, the spirit is connected to the item, not the person. But I'll have to talk to Ronan to see if there's a special way to handle this specific cursed item," I answered. My cell phone rang.

I handed my cell to Paris; he took it and walked away. I finished up with Doyle and went to see who called. As I walked away, everyone started to hustle, so they could get out of the freezing temperatures as soon as possible.

"What's up?" I asked, stopping in front of Paris.

"That was Ronan. We need to get back to the Realm now so we can get to the Bloodshed in a timely manner," Paris answered, closing the phone.

"Oh yeah, we don't want to be late for our a.s.s kickin'," I said with a whole lot of sarcasm. "I'm done here, let's go." I took the cell phone and stuck it back in my jacket inside pocket. We walked to Paris's shiny deep green SUV.

Paris got into the driver's seat and I settled into the pa.s.senger seat. I think it was easier than worrying about the surge rearing its ugly head while I was driving. It rather showed up at weird times.

All the way back was nothing but b.u.mper-to-b.u.mper cars. We pulled into the Realm's lot without incident. I doubted that would happen the rest of the night. We went through the side door and back down the stairs. I heard the chatter of several people coming from ahead. Everyone had gathered in the living room, waiting to go to the meeting.

I saw Caleb talking with Rafe and found it weird. Caleb normally had his nose stuck in the computer or a book; he really wasn't much of a conversationalist unless he was explaining something technical - then you couldn't shut him up. I hoped he didn't think that he was going with us. It was too dangerous. Like everyone else in the room, Caleb wore all black. I looked at Paris and all he gave me was a shrug. I walked over to Caleb.

"Did you want something?" he asked, trying to be coy, and he was actually good at it. He gave me his big cow eyes. When Caleb's emotions ran high, he gave off the calming scent of lavender.

"I hope you didn't think you're going!" I said, very serious.

"Yes, I'm going and I don't need your permission," he replied in a matter of fact voice.

While we discussed the 'no chance in h.e.l.l' that he was joining us, the others approached, but didn't get too close. I turned to Ronan. "Can you promise me that Caleb will be safe?" I asked. I knew the answer.

"I am sorry but I can guarantee nothing. I suggest that you do not try to either," Ronan replied.

I got a sinking feeling in my gut. I had to try to talk Caleb out of going. I knew I couldn't protect him, not against that psycho witch. I had to do something. I dropped my head and held my forehead. I tried a spell to change his mind, but the only thing I accomplished was to give myself a headache. I turned and looked at him. I really had a bad feeling about this.

"You have no clue what you're getting into. You can't protect yourself. I think you should stay here." Maybe if I p.i.s.sed him off he would stomp off.

"I'm going!" he announced loudly.

With those two words, he flung a chair across the room. Well, I guess I couldn't really argue with him on that point. Besides, Caleb was a big boy and he could take an a.s.s whipping just like the rest of us.

"Fine but if you die, I better not have to hunt your a.s.s down," I b.i.t.c.hed.

Caleb grinned, shook his head and hugged me. Of all the things, that he could've done, that the thing I wasn't expecting. Instead of feeling embarra.s.sed, I just hugged him back. His body was warm and it tingled with his new magick I gave him. He lived with me. I cared for him a lot and didn't want anything to happen to him.

"I'll be very careful," he whispered into my ear.

Everyone watched the touching moment, but I could feel Ronan growing impatient. I didn't know what his big rush was. He wasn't looking forward to this meeting any more than the rest of us.

"I believe that it is time to go. Palmira has been waiting long enough. I fear that we cannot put this off any longer," he said, adjusting his knee-length black velvet coat.

Everyone grabbed coats. Did vashon get cold? Technically vashon had many characteristics from their vampire half; they're considered living dead. Or, is that considered living challenged? The Keeper stayed behind just in case we didn't return before dawn.

Two lycanthrope bodyguards, Leo and Jarod, also joined us. Leo is the bodyguard to Rafe. Jarod is Alex's bodyguard. I'd have to say at six foot and muscular, Jarod was intimidating. He too wore all black. His long black hair hung in cornrows to the middle of his back, and he had a mustache and goatee. His eyes were gray, and his skin was the color of coffee with cream. They came along to try to protect their leaders. Here's hoping for a quick and peaceful meeting. Yeah right!

Chapter 15.

Alex drove his red Pathfinder. I thought the bright red was just screaming 'come and get me!' He took Jarod, Rafe, and Leo, and the rest of us crammed into Paris's SUV. Poor Connor was stuck sitting in the very back. I sat in the pa.s.senger seat and stared out the window. A low buzz of white noise hummed in my head from all the magickal creatures around me.

I thought that a quick death for Palmira and her b.u.t.t monkeys would be the best for everyone, but unfortunately, that wasn't an option. We really didn't need a visit from a big bad Elder. There are times I don't like playing by the rules and this was one of them. I had a bad feeling that someone I cared for was going to get hurt.

"I know what you're thinking, Logan. It is not in our best interest to have the Elders Circle after us," Ronan warned.

I turned in my seat. I knew the look on my face was cold. "So it's okay if Palmira kills us, just as long as we don't stir up any s.h.i.t and bring the Elders to town," I said with a lot of sarcasm.

"You are being childish. Of course not." Ronan said with his Irish accent.

"Then would you like to explain the rules to us dumb simple folk?" I snapped.

"If Palmira or any of her people try to kill us, we can defend ourselves. Is that acceptable?" Ronan asked.

I shrugged and turned back in my seat to look out the window. There were just some days that I shouldn't get out of bed, and today was one of them. My adrenaline started to pump, causing my mouth to go dry, and my heart raced. I'd been forced to leave my gun behind - it was part of the negotiation - but I was able to bring several large knives. I had on two large sheaths, but it just wasn't the same. I really didn't want to have to get that up close and personal with Palmira or her flunkies.

We were close. Once again, I was staring at the warehouse Rafe and I had escaped from. I could feel Rafe's anxiety growing, and he was going to have to control it because if I could feel it, so could Palmira. Or, was this a new power I was just paying attention to? I really didn't want to be an empath.

Paris parked close and turned off the engine. I opened the door and got out. Everyone else followed suit. Without waiting for anyone, I walked to the door and grabbed the k.n.o.b.

Big mistake.

There was some kind of alarm spell on the door. It sent me flying and I landed on my a.s.s in the snow about ten feet away. I was p.i.s.sed off at myself. I knew better than that.

Ronan glided towards me. He stopped just in front of me and bent down. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, just a bruised ego. She covers her a.s.s well," I said and Ronan reached out his hand. I took it. Our magick vibrated at the same frequency. It was a cool hum against my hand and arm. We had to be united going in or Palmira would chew us up and spit us out. We stood at the door, Ronan, Rafe, and me leading the way.

White Hair opened the door, not looking too happy to see us. I tended to affect people that way. Or, maybe it was just me. We followed him into the empty building. The place still reeked of blood, sweat, and now s.e.x. Yeah, I really didn't want to know. The only light was from canister lights above us. It wasn't bright at all. It reminded me of being in a movie theater.

I sensed something in the darkness. I reached out, just to see what I could find. I felt Palmira and something that felt cold, and pulled back. I looked forward to seeing the psycho witch. Not. I owed her payback for the hospitality she'd showed Rafe, and me and for what her goons did to Sam.

Caleb walked between Paris and me. I gave strict instructions for Paris to try his best to keep an eye on him. I wondered if Caleb was happy with his decision, or kicking himself in the a.s.s for not staying behind. Now wasn't a good time to ask.

We walked into a large open area. At the far end sat Palmira and several others. They sat under the bright white glow of a spotlight. We followed White Hair until we stood twenty feet away, which was a little too close for my comfort.

Palmira sat on a large throne made of dark wood. It made her blood red dress and long brown hair more vibrant. The Dracae stood on the right side of her. He didn't look too happy. The creature baffled me. Was it on the bad guys' side or not? Did it even have a choice? It stood nine feet tall and was all black. It was like a living, breathing shadow. It looked at me with gold eyes.

But, who really caught my eye was the man on Palmira's other side. He was ice blue, wearing a suit maybe a shade darker than his skin, and the shoes matched everything else. His hair was blue as well.

"Thank you for coming. Rafe, Logan, it is so good to see you again," Palmira said.

I didn't notice her rich Brazilian accent before, but when you are getting the s.h.i.t beat out of you, it's somewhat hard to pay attention. With her dark eyes, high cheekbones and full lips, she was beautiful. But, some things of beauty are deadly, and she was one of them.

"Palmira, what has brought you to my boundaries?" Ronan asked in a composed voice.

"Ronan, don't be absurd. I'm sure by now you all have put my plan together. I will have Rafe and the other scrolls or there will be h.e.l.l to pay," she said. "Oh how rude of me. I would like to introduce you to Frost." She was being way too smug. All I wanted to do was to kick her teeth down her throat and I would've been happy with that.

I looked at the ice-blue man. I thought about the freak snowstorm. That name ... there was no way. Was he who I thought he was?

"You have got to be kidding me. He's Jack Frost?" I asked, unable to keep the astonishment out of my voice. Ronan turned to me with a look of annoyance on his face. I looked at him and shrugged. There are times when I can't control what comes out of my mouth.

"Oh Ronan, your little witch is unruly. You need to teach her some respect," Palmira said, looking at me.

"This is Logan's first Bloodshed. Please excuse her." Ronan sounded as if I had embarra.s.sed him.

"Hey, I'm standing right here. I don't like it when people talk about me like I not in the room. And you want us to believe this is Jack Frost..." I began.

"Oh yes, I'm that Jack Frost. I can tell you the snow has started again," Frost said with an evil laugh. I just couldn't stop myself from rolling my eyes. How textbook could you get?

"Okay, this is all well and good but I didn't come here to talk niceties," I said. I was thinking to myself, how stupid are you to draw attention to yourself? But, I wasn't here to chit-chat.

Palmira stood, took a step towards me and stopped. She put up her hands. She was getting a feel of our power.

"What a wonderfully powerful group you are. Even with your magickal walls all in place, I can still feel your power. What fun we shall have together," she said clapping her hands together quietly.

I didn't want to have anything to do with her idea of fun. I'm sure our definitions were very different. Before anyone could say anything, Palmira waved her hand and threw everyone but I back about twenty feet.

White Hair moved in front of me. I quickly got into my fighting stance, but I wasn't fast enough. He had to be a lycanthrope; no one moved that fast without supernatural power behind them. The first blow made contact with my mouth. I felt my lip split open immediately. I licked the blood away and it stung like a b.i.t.c.h, leaving a copper taste in my mouth.

"Is that all ya got, big boy?" I asked. I waved my fingers at him; the international sign for 'bring it on, babe.'

His face turned red with anger. He gripped his fists tight enough that they shook and he took a step towards me. I made contact with his jaw with a roundhouse kick. I didn't give him any time to recover. I punched him with everything I had. That's when I noticed everyone had broken into their own fight. Several werefoxes had come out of nowhere. This meeting was a total set-up.

With a quick glance, I noticed Paris was pitted against Frost, which make my stomach turn. I turned back to White Hair just in time to block a punch to my face. With this many supernatural beings in one room, the level of magick was so thick it was smothering, and it tingled along my skin.

I didn't have time to take stock of who was pitted against whom. I hoped Caleb was okay, and if he wasn't I was so going to be p.i.s.sed at him. A man-fox was thrown into air and across the room over my head. I dodged just in time and turned back to White Hair. No matter how many punches and kicks I threw, I wasn't getting anywhere. But, I was getting p.i.s.sed. I reached out to Ronan through our magick.

"Ronan, use your new power," I whispered in his head. I don't know if he heard me.

White Hair made contact with my chest, putting me on my a.s.s. For a second I couldn't remember how to breathe. My first gasp was painful, ragged and, after that, it hurt to breathe. Just as I was trying to get to my feet, I felt the first hints of the surge starting.

Everyone in the room must have felt it, because all the fighting stopped. I noticed several of us were bleeding. Leo had changed into half-man half-fox form. Our group came back together. It appeared that the closer physically we were, the stronger our magick. I knew if I touched Ronan the surge would grow. He and I had intertwined our magick, which increased our power and through me, everyone else's.

I stood next to Ronan and placed my hand in his. We laced our fingers together. His hand was cold, which wasn't unusual, but now it was hard like stone. The contact kicked the surge's intensity up. I looked around to take a head count. Paris, Rafe and Leo were bleeding and bruised, but still standing. Ailin and Ronan had tears in their clothes but were fine. The same with Connor. Alex and Jarod were bleeding and their eyes had bled to their werebear color. But, they were fine.

Caleb wasn't anywhere to be seen. My stomach sank and my heart raced. Where in the h.e.l.l was he? I gripped Ronan's hand I couldn't help it. I put my left hand behind my back and formed a ball of energy.

"Where in the h.e.l.l is Caleb? I won't ask twice," I said through gritted teeth.

Palmira looked at me and grinned. Oh man, not a good sign. "He was the weakest of you. New to his powers," she said and turned towards Ronan. "Do the Elders know what your little witch has done?"

"h.e.l.lo," I said, bringing around the ball of light and throwing it at her. "I asked you a question."

The energy ball hit her in the chest, throwing her back, and for the first time she landed on her a.s.s. She actually looked funny sitting on the ground in an evening gown. It brought an evil grin to my face and I didn't fight to hide it. I welcomed it.

I could feel her power growing. Before I could react, I fell to my knees. My body was in pain and I screamed one long scream after another. I felt as if I were on fire. Ronan looked at Paris. Without a word, they knelt down next to me and placed their hands on my shoulders. They were sharing my pain. They had done this before: now, as then, it lifted the pain.

Palmira came and knelt down inches from us. "I grow tired of this, Ronan. You will give me the Fox King and the scrolls. Now," she said, running her hand down my face.

She was taunting me and I didn't have enough sense not to take her bait. My power reacted to my feelings. But, the two men touching me helped to concentrate my power. I threw a powerful surge ball at her again. All I wanted was for her to know pain. A lot of pain.