Half is missing

New York City, July 2012:

"REX ESSA! by the Moon Goddess in the heavens! It's so nice to see you, dammit!

In the quiet hallway of the posh hotel where Blade and Rex were staying, Kal Hunt's voice boomed behind them. They were making their way to the grand ballroom, where the celebration of Kal's birthday would soon start.

The older man, wearing a classic black and white tuxedo, caught up to them and embraced Rex, slapping his back. It felt good to be back in full swing as head of the distillery after a long absence from Rex. He was looking forward to seeing his business contacts again this evening.

"You look good, boy!" Kal took Rex by the shoulders, released him, and assessed him. I can't believe you never looked so strong! Charlene will cherish it!"

What is Charlene?

Rex considered Blade's inquiry, but he knew better not to respond immediately.

Rex spoke quickly, "Kal, let me introduce you to my mate." He moved to the side, grabbed Blade by the hand, and he ignored Kal's slight frown as he pulled Blade forward.

In a black cocktail dress, his partner looked gorgeous. While a loose high-low tulle skirt concealed the knives strapped to her toned thighs, the lace bodice met the thick diamond choker necklace that covered Rex's Mark on her slim neck. Unnoticed, Blade's black stiletto pumps had a silver heel; however, she had the original black heels replaced by sturdy stiletto blades by a shoemaker. She could remove the specially designed black heel caps at any time to access the blade tips. The deep red of the velvet rose on the long, sharp needle that was carefully inserted into her hair's elaborate twist matched her lipstick.

"I should be the main Alpha that needn't bother with a fucking guardian when he goes out with his Luna," Rex had kidded prior that night. " You are a sexy weapon on the move."

"That is the way to go." She had said it with a laugh.

Rex squeezed her hand right now.

"Blade, this is my friend Kal. Blade, this is Alpha Kal Hunt of the Shadowlands Pack, my friend and business mentor in New York City. After Uncle Dylan retired, Kal took me under his wing and left me to figure out how to run the distillery and everything else on my own, but Kal-Persephone? Is this truly you?" Kal spoke softly. His wide, light blue eyes had become pale as he stared at Blade as though she were a hellish vision.

Rex gave Blade a cursory glance, but she appeared as guarded as her feelings indicated she was. She was getting ready.

Are you two acquainted?

Blade greeted Kaleva by saying, It's good to see you once more. It has been a while.

"Persephone?" In between the two, Rex looked.

Before further lowering his voice, Kal surveyed the hallway. You were said to be dead to me! What the hell are you doing here, Persephone? Or Diana, are you free tonight?" As if he had just remembered that Rex was there, Kal gave him a quick glance.

Blade shook his head. She said, taking Rex's arm, "I am here as my partner's Plus-one." Blade is also fine because I no longer work.

Kal yelled urgently, whispering, "We need to talk immediately." He turned around and began to leave. Let's head to my workplace.

Blade, what the hell is going on?! How do you know Kal, then?

They followed Kal down a long corridor until they reached a set of dinged-open black elevator doors. As soon as the doors closed and he pressed the top button, Kal placed his face close to a retinal scan.

As an agent for my grandfather, I have previously collaborated with Kaleva. Blade let go of Rex's arm so she could run her fingers along the thick cloth-covered elevator panel.

Wait, did you spy on Kal or for Kal?

Both. She smiled as she gave him a glance.

When Kal faced them when the elevator started to move, she was looking along the walls and in the elevator's upper corners.

Kal laughed. " Persephone, I swear that you will not be recorded or poisoned while you are with me. She apologized, "Please accept my apologies, Kaleva," and said, "You are under my protection while you are in one of my hotels." I never intended to upset you. It's hard to break some habits.

Kal gave a nod, but he grinned. Does this imply that Hades remains alive?

Blade smiled at Kal, but she didn't see it. My only wish is that my father is still alive. She stated, "Unfortunately, I was the sole survivor of the fire that killed my entire family."

You have no faith in Kal.

I only have faith in you. My family might still be alive if I'd known that earlier.

Rex was accustomed to the spacious, modern reception area as the elevator doors dinged once more. Kal took them to a conference room with only a small table for business meetings and a smaller table with drinks and a coffee maker. Bewildered, Rex looked around. He was always taken to Kal's office.

Take it not personally. He is wary of me. He absolutely should not have faith in me after what I did years ago.

"I don't suppose you've heard anything about my family's hit?" Blade inquired.

With a sigh, Kal asked them to sit down. I've inquired, but I have no idea who did it. Nobody seems to be aware of anything. I do know that everyone in our community was shocked by it. That is not how Hades should have died. Some saw him as a foe, but most saw him as a hero. He poured himself a drink at the small table. Is there anything I can offer you to drink?

Rex replied, "Bourbon neat." He didn't see why he should act differently with the person he had always considered a friend; however, he did find it troubling that Kal and his mate did not appear to trust one another.

Kal chuckled. Naturally, I only have the finest whiskey available. He supplied Rex with water. He crossed his arms and placed two empty tumblers and stemmed glasses in front of Blade. Go on. Use the lighter as you please. It was always done by your dad. It was made into a game by the spoiled son.

He caught Blade's attention for a moment before he shrugged. She quickly passed the flame under the tumbler as she inspected it after taking a silver lighter out of her black clutch and popping it open. She returned the glass and put the lighter away.

"Also a neat of bourbon."

"That's too bad," Kal said as he took the glass and poured two fingers' worth. I have a fancy Pinot Blanc from Argentina that your father loved. I thought, like your father, you only drank wine.

Blade chuckled. That could show an absence of development on my part, couldn't it, Kaleva?"

With his own beverage in hand, Kal sat down in front of them at the conference table and crossed his arms once more. Why didn't you look in your buddy's glass?

He received a cold smile from Blade. What justifies your desire to harm him? You are not in danger from Rex. Yours is in hospitality, while his is in spirits. I imagine that your relationship is very beneficial to both of you. Furthermore, he actually respects and trusts you, and you respect and trust him. She didn't look at Kal as she took a sip from her glass. Furthermore, if Rex had shown any kind of physical discomfort after drinking, what makes you think you would still be alive?

Rex felt uneasy when she suddenly gave him a sweet smile. He had the impression that there was a lot more going on than he was hearing. Blade and Kal had never been so hostile to him.

However, Kal surprised him by laughing in his usual lighthearted way. He nodded respectfully and did not appear to be offended.

Persephone, you are the daughter of your father. Good, then. I will also earn your trust because it took me years to earn it from your father. He laughed once more as he looked at them both. He said, shook his head, "Well, fuck me if this isn't the strangest thing." Persephone and Rex Essa. Together. I take it you are destined partners?

Rex quickly informed his partner that Kal was unaware of the issues he had with his previous partner, saying, "Yes."

It is true that fate has a sense of humor. Either that or it enjoys having sex with me. He drank heavily from his glass.

Use of my given name is acceptable. I'm Cutting edge now. Felix was my dad. Our organization is no more since his death.

Kal gave a nod. Then, please, you must call me Kal. Did your father."

Cutting edge gestured.

"--And that, your organization, is the subject of my conversation with you. Are you aware of the project that Cerberus and your father were working on prior to the accident?

Cerberus? Rex inquired.

Joaquin. Additionally, Abuelo informed Kaleva that Uncle Danny's cousin was my twin.

Shit. Your grandfather had a lot of trouble accepting the truth.

Blade gave a brief smirk. Numerous serious problems plagued my grandfather.

Rex decided that it would be safer to wait until they were alone before asking her any more questions. He didn't want to accidentally undo what his partner had done to Kal. It was obvious that Rex had to pick a side, no matter how much it hurt.

"I have no clue," Cutting edge said, and she was genuine as far Rex could tell. " My assignments and those of my cousins were kept apart by my father. With a twisted smile, she said, "You knew my father." Sharing data was not his forté."

Kal took a deep breath and leaned back. He appeared depleted.

"Blade, I require you to either recall or discover. Please."

The accommodation in Kal's voice and the modesty right in front of him frightened Rex. Although Kal was his friend, Kal, like all Alphas, was not kind or humble.

"Kal, what's really happening?"

Kal gave his glass of ice a swirl.

He stated, "Before your father died, he was paid handsomely to find three people." Based on Hades's reputation and success, I brokered that deal. He reluctantly agreed to their offer of full payment. His clients were left hanging, regardless of how much he knew or learned about these individuals' whereabouts.

Rex tried to be fair, saying, "That doesn't sound like it's her problem." Blade was not paid for that job when her father passed away. What was it worth?"

Kal said, "Three million."

Rex didn't even blink. Fine. They will receive their money back. It was solved.

Blade was the one who surprised him by shaking her head. This is not how things work." Rex was aware that her ashen complexion indicated a growing sense of anxiety within her.

Through the bond, he experienced a sudden surge of intense love and gratitude with hints of regret.

Thank you, my love, but money is not an easy solution for this problem. I have that money and could quickly repay it if it were.

Kal gave a firm head shake. Rex, I wish it were that simple, but there is something you need to know. We are dealing with unpleasant individuals who are enraged at both the Zamoras and me. They paid Hades for a service and expect to get what they paid for. They will make Blade pay in the worst way for what Hades left undone, and it won't be pretty. To them, death is not an excuse for not receiving what they paid for. He shifted in his chair and surveyed his tumbler. Persephone, I wish you hadn't resurfaced, but they would have found you sooner or later. Rex, this shitshow just got a whole lot more complicated now that you're involved.

"Who is it?" Rex could feel her growing fear at Kal's suggestion that Kal was concerned not only about Andy but also about him as Blade spoke. Who was my father dealing with for business?

Kal turned to face her despite the puddles of sweat on his brow.

"Vampires."

Kal was mocked by Blade. She did a leg and arms cross.

Kal took a gander at her with disarray and afterward investigated Rex, who nonchalantly took a beverage of his whiskey as though he were at home.

Blade laughed. I apologize. I assumed you meant vampires.

"I did," Kal said with a sluggish gesture.

She briefly questioned whether he was joking or making fun of her. Vampires are extremely uncommon, Kal.

When Blade glanced back at her partner and saw that his thoughts and feelings were as calm and unaffected by the conversation as he appeared, it made her hate second-guessing herself. Are they not?"

Kal stated, "They're rare, but not extinct." He gave Rex a quick glance as if to ask for help. And definitely not as uncommon as you seem to believe.

Rex shrugged as she sat back and fully examined him.

Aren't vampires almost mythological creatures? she inquired.

Rex's eyes began to soften significantly. I bought you the widest choker necklace I could find and asked you to wear a high neckline tonight. It wasn't just to keep my Mark away from people. Kal and I do a lot of business with vampire-owned businesses. They own numerous club, clubs, strip clubs, whorehouses, and basically any business that serves liquor and flourishes into the evening. Sincerely, I assumed you knew. I'm surprised that your grandfather didn't teach about vampires. You appear to have received a comprehensive education in all other areas from him.

Blade's frown got wider. She had the impression that the metaphorical rug had been ripped from under her feet, leaving her hanging. With Rex, she couldn't argue. What Kal had stated was unquestionably accurate if he had ever transacted with vampires. Her concern was not so much the fact that her grandfather had dealt with vampires as the fact that he had concealed it from Blade and led her to believe that vampires were virtually nonexistent. To exacerbate the situation, Joaquin probably known and had decided to avoid her with regards to the circle, and he never kept data from her. She thought so.

"I do not comprehend. Why would he engage in business with those who consume wolf blood? Confounded by this information, she turned to look back at Kal.

Kal stood abruptly. They also consume other things, which we'll talk about in more detail about later. My companion just informed me that I am wanted downstairs because I've been gone for too long. He gave Blade and then Rex a sideways glance. Can we meet tomorrow to talk more about this? You will not believe how urgent this is. Please."

Rex stood up and said, "Of course." It's your birthday, and you ought to be first floor having a good time."

"As you both ought to." Despite the obvious tension on his face, Kal smiled. I truly am happy to see you - both of you - however we should stay quiet. Nobody has to realize Persephone is back."

Rex acknowledged with a smile, "I appreciate that."

Kal exhaled. Although I regret having to break the bad news tonight, I would be honored if you both stayed and had fun.

After a few more minutes, Blade was led by Rex by the arm through the double doors of a dim reception hall with Satie's Gymnopédie No.1 on piano filling the room. Each of the numerous round tables, covered in long grey tablecloths and dinnerware, was lit only by candlelight. Blade imagined that if there had been more light, any of the tables would have appeared white. The wall lamps were completely dark, and the three chandeliers that lined the ceiling of the reception hall provided no light at all because they were dimmed to look like fountains of a dull yellow-brown refractive light. On the grand stage, which was better lit with indirect red and purple lighting, sat a small jazz band and a woman dressed in red playing the concert piano. At least three hundred people were seated at large round tables in the luxurious events room, and more people followed Blade and Rex in.

But Blade and her wolf Talon weren't disturbed by the gloomy atmosphere.

Talon grinned and said, "It stinks in here." The wolf's hackles became stiffer, Blade felt.

Blade took a deep breath. The odour of an old attic, dusty and stale, with the distinct scent of unwashed socks and the oily scent of cockroaches, outweighed the opulent surroundings and beautiful music. The contrast made her feel uneasy.

Vampires are unquestionably present. She swiftly turned her head to face him as the thought of Rex entered her mind.

Is that them? That odor? Even in the dark, Blade's nose wrinkles were less obvious than Rex's grimace.

Yes. Kal's choice of lighting is another clue that the scent is not the most pleasant. This location has the appearance of a bat cave because they can't stand white light or anything that looks like daylight. Rex said, "Damn, it's fucking depressing" as he looked around. Vampires should never be invited to any of our parties.

Rex stopped, put his hands on the side of her arms, and looked into her eyes, so Blade must have looked or felt out of sorts despite his joke.

In his black-on-black tuxedo, he stood out despite the gloom that surrounded them. Black was even on his bowtie. Rex had allowed Cutting edge to style his hair lately, and she had utilized her fingers to brush item into his obsidian dark hair. His long, loose curls were therefore well-defined without appearing fussed-over. Her partner was truly stunning to look at.

Everything will work out fine. He whispered in her ear, "We'll get through this," and she felt a surge of warmth and comfort through their connection.

A female's shrill voice interrupted her thought, "I'm just bothered by my grandfather's."

Baby Rex, Rex!

Fuck. She located me. Rex breathed in strongly and shut his eyes. Blade grinned as a sudden wave of frustration rippled through the bond from him.

Charlene, perhaps? Amused, she asked.

As he looked into Blade's eyes, Rex's eyes swung open and information rushed into her head like a fast river.

Nothing occurred. her side. I vouch. Please spare her life. I know I would want to, but she is Kal's unmarried daughter and the Fated Mate of their relationship was killed shortly after they met. Sadly, her ambitious and excessively delusional mother has led her astray.

When a tall and lean she-wolf shoved Blade aside, Blade smiled at Rex's anxiety.

The she-wolf said, "Excuse me," adding, "He's my date tonight, so beat it!" Baby, I'm so glad you're here! She wrapped her extended arms around him. Remember that I am your date? Just as you said you would! I adore your hair to the hilt. Y'know, it most certainly suits you, albeit short hair looked great on you, as well!"

Blade raised an eyebrow as the she-wolf wrapped her hands around Rex's neck once more as she ran her hands down his wide chest and up again. Your black-on-black style always makes you look so hot! Additionally, your hair is so soft!

Sharp edge feigned exacerbation in light of the fact that the option was to rip the bitch off her mate and cut her throat with one of her kunai blades.

Because he quickly unhooked Charlene's arms from his neck, Rex probably sensed her irritation.

"It's nice to see you, Charlene, and I'd like to introduce you to-" "Rex! We've really missed you, sweetie!" An older she-wolf with short, graying hair and several large pearls on her neck rushed past Blade, gently shoved Charlene to the side, and wrapped her arms around Rex. Thank you so much for joining us.

"Good night, Luna."

"Oh, Rex, my dear, don't be so boring. You recognize Marina!"

This time, Blade couldn't help but smile as he watched. She was entertained by how awkward Rex looked as he attempted to remove himself from the abnormal circumstance.

Oh, how fun this is! Rex doesn't know how to be polite when Nakon tells him to get those jerks away from them! Talon stated:

He asked, "Ladies, please-."