A Trail Of Roses

Unwanted Guest

Great.

Just f*****g great.

The black Mercedes before me stood perfectly parked, not one inch out of line. As if it was meant to be there and not intruding on what I thought was going to be some much needed me-time.

Sigh.

Parking my car, I get out, offering a glare at the object that has just brought me another annoyance. And just after I got rid of one.

I land an annoyed kick to the wheel before turning and heading for the elevator. It was now or never and dealing with this i***t now seemed like the better option, and that was only because he would wait for me to return no matter how long it took for me to get back home. So, getting back into my car and speeding off wasn't an option.

He was THAT resilient.

Stepping into the open elevator I press the top button and step back as the doors close, locking me into the bronze-colored box.

On the way over here, I've realized who the culprit in pissing me off was since after my headache had managed to subside a little bit after downing those pain tabs in the dashboard, I was finally able to think a little clearer. Preparations really do pay off.

Anyway, it was that dimwit who decided to break out of confinement after breaking his oath and essentially being put on the long list of rogues I was being tasked to hunt down.

I'd just completed a mission two days ago and that was supposed to leave me with a few days to myself. A few days to focus on my main situation and do the work I was set out to do.

Of course, now I was stuck having to hunt down a rogue Caster and a former guardian at that.

The elevator opens up, revealing the i***t whose car was parked in my underground parking.

Also, I was stuck having to hunt down that rogue with this i***t at my side.

Great.

"Bout time you got here," Darius says as I step pass him and into my loft, which I really need to place a stronger protective spell on. One specifically strong enough against unwanted guests.

"I've got a lead on that rogue and we need to check it out before he goes off again," He continues, his footsteps following behind me as I turn right and in the direction of the stairs.

Passing by the dark lounge and actively trying to pretend that he was not here right now.

"He's quite powerful and according to my dad we should contain him as soon as we possibly can," He adds, still following me.

God, at this rate I was going to have another headache.

My loft wasn't really big. It was spacious but that was only because I wasn't into the whole excessive furniture thing. I only bothered with things I needed. There was a U-shaped black leather couch standing across the elevator doors, framing the black glass coffee table and a built-in chimney situated into the left wall. Which was also black.

Actually, everything was black if not dark grey. My walls, the marble tiles, the staircase and the railings, even the doors. The only color came from the grey carpet in the center of the room and the wall on the other side of the lounge which was made entirely out of glass-offering me a perfect view of the city from the outer balcony.

It really was different compared to His house with its white walls and mahogany furniture.

Even the kitchen situated to the left of the staircase, perfectly built into the wall-was tainted with black. Don't ask me why, I just liked it.

"Blythe."

I was halfway up the stairs by now, long since tuned out of his constant talking as my mind became focused on one thing and one thing only. My room and a very long shower, perhaps even a nap.

"Hey!'' His feet hit the bottom steps as he attempts to follow me up, but I turn around and offer him a cold glare which has him stopping only three steps up to look at me. "Can you pay attention please? This is really important you know.''

Suppressing the groan that was trying to force its way out of my throat I cross my arms and look down at the man before me. The only reason I haven't thrown him out yet was because my uncle's words kept ringing in my ears.

Let Darius accompany you on this mission. Perhaps he'll learn a few things.

Not before annoying me to death, it seems.

"I know exactly how important this is," I say slowly, training my gaze on his blue orbs. "But there isn't much we can do at this time of the day, and you know it."

It was barely noon, on a Thursday and that meant humans walking round.

Which plus the fact that we were hunting down a possibly psychotic caster-who we can assume won't hesitate to use one of those said humans as a human shield or hostage- could only equal disaster.

We weren't desperate enough to risk the lives of any humans. Also, we had to make sure that we were well prepared and that meant planning and not just rushing up to the first 'possible' lead we've got.

"So, how about you take a seat, let me have a shower and then we start planning," It wasn't a suggestion nor a question. I wasn't about to do anything until I was sure about everything. "I doubt he'll be dumb enough to make a move in broad daylight- especially with so many of our people out searching for him."

"So, take a chill pill and relax. I'm sure there are some files or whatever you still have to go through.''

Then I turn around and head back up the stairs. Leaving my cousin behind as he lets out a frustrated sigh before retreating back down.

For once taking the smart route.