[Maria, Our Unicorn!]
Pulling the headphones out a little to scratch her itching ear, Maria winced as the loud hum of slapping blades struck her mind. The magically enhanced military helicopter fought through the hail of rain to carry them to Miami at a breakneck speed; apparently, the Army had wizards now that could enchant equipment, which changed the name of the game.
Fiona was tucked away in her bust to protect her weak body and dampen the brain-rattling sound while cushioning against the extreme vibrations due to her vulnerable size. It gave her more to make fun of the fairy for later, since it embarrassed her; the Irish girl could be fun and often punched back in her own non-swearing way.
However, it wasn’t the woman tucked between her breasts that caused the pressure against her chest; it had been utter chaos since Rachel got off the phone with her mom, and a whirl of insanity ensued, the biggest of which lay with the red-haired Legend sitting across from them.
Barbara was glaring daggers at the man, Anthony refusing to look at the Marine while staring out of the window at the land rushing by below them. Of course, she, as a damn living lie detector, had to be brought into the conflict, because why wouldn’t she be?
The auburn-haired woman’s heated voice passed between their shared headsets, pulling Selvaria’s suspicious gaze. “What the hell do you mean you don’t want to be by Amelia’s side when vampires are attacking Miami? Maria, tell me if there’s a single lie out of this asshole’s mouth. What the hell happened with you and that Ciara chick?”
“I told you, she’s not in danger, and I need to go with Rachel to get stronger,” he mumbled, clearly not wanting to engage on the subject. “I’ve got my reasons.”
“I don’t give a damn about your decisions or reasons,” the woman flatly stated. “Let me make this shit clear, bud. I thought we were chill over the last few weeks, but I’m not the kind of woman to bitch with. This isn’t a fantasy novel where you get a bitch and say jack shit because you’re the main character, and this is me being polite.
“I’m a Marine Raider Captain, bitch. So don’t try to be slick with me. You’re my dog to order around and ask for treats. You’re in my helicopter because you’re associated with Rachel, who has a connection with the US Military. And I could give a damn what Rachel thinks; she answers to me, not the other way around. So try that again. My patience is running thin; after the shit you’ve told me, why shouldn’t I bench you?”
Now looking like a teenager with her lost water volume, Selvaria crossed her arms, looking at the Legend for answers. “You didn’t cheat on Amelia, right? Say you didn’t!”
Anthony continued to study the ground, keeping his voice unusually cool for the accusations being levied against him. “It’s complicated. I can’t talk about Ciara.”
Maria popped her tongue, annoyed that she had to be a part of this interrogation. Her home was about to be attacked by a literal swarm of vampires, and this was the shit they were focusing on?
“True. Okay, güey, if ya can’t say shit about this chica, then what can ya spill? Is she blackmailing you or some shit?”
“This is so messed up! I thought you loved Amelia,” Selvaria growled, Coral in her lap, mirroring the leviathan’s scowl. “Is she charming you or something? Can’t you break it, Maria?”
Barbara’s intense and focused yellow irises darted to his hand, where the tattoo of a detailed black dove had appeared. He rubbed it, causing Maria to rub her neck, horn illuminating the space for the second time.
“Like I said, chica, it’s not a curse or anything like that; I don’t sense anything negative or harmful. Shit.” Maria wished she could be in Fiona’s position right now, oblivious to the conversation; she was probably anxious about not knowing all the details, though. “He’s clean.”
“Then why can’t you tell me anything about her, Anthony?” Barbara growled. “If you can’t tell me something now, I’m just going to throw your ass in jail under armed guard because I have to know I can trust my people. We’re on the verge of a literal war-like scenario with an attack on American soil, and you’re putting this shit on me less than thirty minutes before the attack happens?
“You look at it from my perspective, asshole. I’m about to let a group walk into what is most likely a giant ambush with some of the biggest vampire names in fiction and history. There’s going to be an attack with civilians inside the city that we can’t warn, or else it could cause a colossal cluster f—mmmgm. You could be an asset, but I won’t put someone I don’t trust in a position to get my people killed.”
Reaching up to scratch the back of his neck, Anthony displayed the mark on the back of his hand. “I…get it, Barb. I’m not trying to be difficult. I just can’t talk about anything dealing with this.”
Maria consciously crossed her arms under her bust, trying not to put pressure on her fairy friend. “False.”
He hissed through his teeth at the damning expression on the faces around him. “Wait, wait, Barb! I…can’t talk about this with any of you. Am I telling the truth, Maria?”
“Sure… Okay, easy. Who the hell is this Ciara chick? You knew her before this? No skimming the truth either, tío. You know Rach is gonna go ballistic and dig hella more than Barb on this shit. Best ta get some support, ya know?”
Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author's consent. Report any sightings.
“Yes, I can roughly talk about her,” Anthony said, now maintaining eye contact with Barbara, a thread’s breadth away from throwing the man behind bars until the end of this conflict. “Just…give me a second… It’s not easy for me,” he mumbled, rubbing his face.
“Mmm… As I said, it’s complicated,” he groaned. “Ciara is…she’s a girl I knew very well when I was growing up in the UK…more importantly, our Ireland property—where my uncle lived—where I mostly grew up… We were close. Ask me questions, I’ll answer what I can, Barb. I’m sorry this happened… I hate myself more than you’ll ever know…
“Tell me what you’re having problems with, Barb. What do you want me to say? I will answer the big questions: I am not charmed. I am not doing anything without full consent. I am not Rachel’s or your enemy. I have no intent to harm the United States. I do want to support and help Rachel. I need to get stronger. I am not working for the Scarlet Hand or anyone who wants to harm the United States or Rachel. I care for Amelia more than anyone—more than my own life—including Ciara.”
Barbara linked her fingers and leaned forward, pressing her thumbs against her forehead as he spoke. When he finished, her steely golden eyes rose to fixate on the man. “Let’s get this out of the way then. I get you love Amelia. Do you love Ciara?”
Maria’s chest tightened, making Fiona wiggle a little as Anthony streamed out a long breath and broke eye contact, arms folding against his chest; it wasn’t a question about the past. His voice was thick as his nose turned red, sealing his fate and throwing up a million more questions.
“…Yes.”
Eyebrow lifting, she got a look from Selvaria, who wanted to know more details as Barbara asked the next question that dug his grave.
“If you don’t want to join this operation. I’m fine with that. If you do, then you’re going to answer my questions, no matter how hard they are… Understand?”
“Loud and clear…” he swallowed, lips pulled into a line and making Maria curse her lie detector ability. “This…is what she wanted anyway.”
Barbara slid right past the comment and went for the jugular. “Have you slept with Ciara?”
“Yes.”
Selvaria looked like she wanted to punch him. “Wait, wait—before or during your relationship with Amelia—you know, the woman fighting cancer that you claim to love?!”
Anthony didn’t answer for several seconds, which was all any of them needed before the excuses or explanation came.
“…Ciara and I had a relationship that I kept hidden from my family when we were teenagers because…they wouldn’t have approved. I left the UK and Ireland…and she didn’t come with me because she was scared…then I met Amelia. A few weeks after I started dating Amelia, Ciara came to Miami, and…yes, we went out drinking, and before I knew what was happening, the past came back, and we were in bed.”
“Cheater!” Selvaria shouted. “Did you tell Amelia, huh?!”
Anthony rubbed between his eyes, puffing out the air in his chest. “I did…”
“Huh?” Selvaria stiffened. “Maria?! He’s lying, right?”
Maria shook her head, rubbing her arm. “Naaa. Dude’s real. Shit. That must have been rough. Obviously, ya got over that bullshit, but dick move, bro. A one-off at a moment of weakness, though? Shit. No one’s perfect, ya know. She accepted it, so not like we can judge. Not our life.”
“But… Mgmmm.” Selvaria growled, teeth grinding while leveling her accusing aquamarine eyes on the Legend. “I guess…and you do treat her like a queen.”
“Not enough…” Anthony whispered, making Maria sigh.
Damn. Guy can’t forgive himself for hurting the girls he cares for. Inner demons are real.
Barbara’s fingers tightened, elbows resting on her knees as she pressed her knuckles against her chin. “I get this isn’t easy to talk about personal issues, but these are things I have to know if I’m going to trust you, and your honesty does go a long way. Hell, I’m military, I know shit gets hot and heavy with old flings. I don’t take this shit lightly because people’s lives are in my hands, and we’re running out of time for you to restore my faith in you.”
She pushed herself up to look at the uncomfortable fire-haired man. “Did you cheat on Amelia after that, with Ciara or anyone else?”
He shook his head, regaining control over his emotions. “No. Ciara was jealous of Amelia when she learned about her and was hurt that I’d go back to her after we slept together… She wanted me to go back to Ireland with her, and… Well, let’s say that yes, she was hurt that I turned her down. Amelia was hurt. I never wanted to do that to either of them.”
“But you made your choice,” Maria said with respect. “Relationship shit ain’t easy. Shit’s tough. I’ve seen every sin under the sun on the streets, güey, but few men have the balls to face that shit. No cap.”
Barbara wasn’t finished, though. “Clearly, Ciara was affected by The Oscillation and has her own powers. I have my own suspicions as to who she is, based on the legends of Diarmuid, but I won’t try to pry…
“I just need to know if you have the slightest concern that you will compromise this mission or harm the people relying on you—not Amelia or Ciara—Rachel, Selvaria, Maria, Fiona, Nia, and Scarlet…these women who could use your undivided loyalty and support.”
Anthony’s glowing green eyes lifted to hers, his voice steady and firm. “I wouldn’t hesitate to sacrifice myself for any one of them. Like I said, I know Amelia will be safe. I have to get stronger. I will do everything in my power to make sure this mission is a success.”
“Get it done.” Barbara nodded and flipped the channel to get updates on the Coast Guard’s mobilization on the waters. “Where are we at?”
“Facts,” Maria held up her fist, tuning out the woman’s voice. “Respect for being a man. Ride or die, eh?”
“Ride or die.”
Selvaria grinned and joined them. “I’m still fuming, but I guess I shouldn’t be if Amelia isn’t. Let’s be heroes!”
Anthony grinned, rubbing his slightly red eyes as he leaned back. “I’m glad Rachel brought us together.”
- Growing Community =D
View and help
Support me on and get up to: Note that instead of 'first of the month' billing, I have opted into 'pay on the same day you sign up'!
+ Weekly Poll On Next Week's Priority Series
+ 6 Chapters (6 Weeks) ahead in A Tail's Misfortune
+ 6 Chapters (6 Weeks) Ahead in The Oscillation Rewrite
+ 6 Chapters (6 Weeks) Ahead in UE Rewrite
+ 6 Chapters (6 Weeks) Ahead in Veil of Chaos
Patreon Exclusive Novella Books
+ Ask a Character any question you want and they'll respond in-character!
+ All my commissioned artwork is up for free on my Patreon!
Current Books on Amazon and Audible:
Series Books
The Oscillation
Book 1 - Chaos
A Tail's Misfortune
Book 1 - Transformation
Book 1 Audible - Transformation
Undying Empire
Book 1 - Foundation
Novellas (Stand Alone; Same Universe)
