Genesis
Three days had passed since I last spoke with Eric. We were not exactly on lock down, but I chose to spend a majority of my time in the basement studying up on the manananggals. I had a creeping suspicion that there may be more than three of them and I wanted to be on the safe side, there was no telling what they had up their sleeves.
“Gen,” Alexander’s nickname for me rang from the top of the steps. I sighed, closing my laptop and making my way towards the steps. Alexander stood at the top of the steps, his hands stuffed into the dark wash jeans he wore. His golden hair styled perfectly on top of his head, and the pristine white shirt looking even brighter against his tan skin.
“Yes?”
“Backup's here,” his voice had a hardness to it, his usually bright blue eyes darkening slightly around the edges.
“Are you alright?” Alexander shook his head dismissing me before moving back towards the front of the house. Something must have crawled up his butt and died.
I climbed the steps taking my time to prepare myself for the possible battle between the Godwin’s and whoever these other guys were. What could it be that’s gotten Alexander in such a sour mood? As I rounded the corner to the kitchen the tension hit me like a ton of bricks.
Alexander stood by the coffee maker, a cup of tea in hand and a scowl on his face. Cedric leaned on the counter next to him, his eyes drifting over to me. They softened as he looked me up and down. Breaking eye contact I glance over towards the two large men that were seated at the dinner table.
One lifted his head, his black dreadlocks pulled into a ponytail. His deep ebony skin smooth with white freckles adorning the bridge of his nose. His eyes were a deep brown reminding me of ancient oak. He wore Black dress pants, a light brown button up with a black vest overtop and black dress shoes. His thick lips curled into a smile as he stood from his seat.
“You must be Agent White, I am Agent Silas Evergreen.” he greeted holding out his hand. I graciously took it. Sparks ignited over my skin similar to when I first touched Cedric and Alex. Silas grinned down at me his eyes sparkling a magnificent cinnamon only a couple shades lighter than his natural eyes.
The other man cleared his throat. I glanced behind Silas to find the other man waiting patiently with his hands clasped behind his back. His ears were pointed, telling me that he must be an elf. His porcelain skin, steel blue eyes, and platinum blond hair stood out on his deep green dress pants and brown button up.
“I am Agent Elysian Kline. It is a pleasure to meet you,” His baritone voice scrubbed over my senses making my thunderbird hum in appreciation. He strolled towards Silas and I, extending his hand and I shook it. Once again those sparks rolled over me. I squeaked as I was yanked behind a growling Cedric and rumbling Alex.
Silas and Elysian shared a look, their eyebrows raised at the Goodwins. Huffing I shock Cedric and push Alexander to the side. Stepping between the fuming men I place my hands on their chest and push them backward softly.
“Silas, Elysian, this is Cedric” I pointed towards him. “And Alexander Goodwin. They were my assigned partners before Eric sent you.”
“We’ve been informed. Do they always have tempers?” Silas inquired. I shook my head.
“No, not often. Well, Cedric, yes. Alexander, no.” I answered truthfully. Silas nodded his head slowly in understanding.
“I’m sure you’ve already read my thoughts, gargoyle.” Elysian taunted with a grin. Cedric scoffed.
“There’s no way she’s your mate, she’s mine.” Alexander chimed in. Not this again. I glanced between the fuming males, Silas was the only one with a casual smile on his face. Our eyes met, Silas’s smile grew wider as he extended his hand in offering. I glanced at Cedric and Alex who were glaring at a smug-looking Elysian. I move to take Silas’s hand and he guides me out of the kitchen towards the front door.
As we walked through the front door, Silas never let go of my hand. “I’m assuming we’re safe out here. The wards around this place are immaculate.” Silas praised.
“Eric also filled me in on the case. This’ll be the first case of a manananggal Elysian and I have dealt with.” Silas continued. He glanced back at me, his face soft and eyes sparkling. My lips twitched with the urge to laugh. “Why do you keep looking at me like that?” I asked.
“You’re a treat to look at. Do I have to have a reason to look at my mate?” He flirted. I snorted and removed my hand from his grasp. “There’s no way that I’m your mate. I barely believe Cedric and Alex.” Silas held my gaze, his eyes searching mine for an answer I didn’t have for him.
“What do you know about mates?”
“Next to nothing, I just know the basics. I’ve been with SIA for years, I never had the time to stop and really study it. I also wasn’t expecting to meet my so-called mates this early.” I explained. It was the truth, I had every intention of calling Baylee but with everything going on I just haven’t found the time.
“Well, let's do a test.” Silas leaned down from his six foot six height, his lips hovering next to my ear before he placed a gentle kiss on my shoulder. Shocks erupted through me shooting from my spine down to my core. My hands gripped Silas’s dress shirt, the simple touch making my whole body thrum with pleasure.
“W-what was that?” I stuttered.
“The mate bond. It’s how mythologicals identify who their mate is.” Silas tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. “You’re simply electrifying. Are you a Thunderbird?” He smirked.
“How’d you figure it out? I always have my scent masked.”
Silas let out a hearty laugh. “I saw the sparks of electricity that left your hands when you were trying to calm down the Goodwin's. Plus, I’m immune to whatever spray you use. As a wood nymph I have the special ability to see past illusions and spells, I also have Elysian to thank for that as well.” He grinned cheekily.
“Do the other’s know?” I asked.
“Just that gargoyle of yours, Elysian as well. The only one seems to be the Sea Serpent,”
“Are you going to tell me to go and settle down? To get off the field and breed more thunderbirds?” The words I didn’t want to hear the most, I wouldn’t blame him either. It was probably the right thing to do. Although, at the moment it was not what I wanted to do. The agency needs me, I’m the best they have. It just doesn’t feel right to up and leave, it felt far too selfish.
“Of course not. You are a well known name in the agency. I was actually looking forward to meeting you someday, now I’m lucky enough to be your mate and partner.” Silas wrapped his arms around me, pulling me into his chest. My bird cooed in my head at the comfort that our mate was providing.
Silas’s finger tipped my chin up, pulling my eyes to meet his. “I want nothing more than to take you off the field, but I know that it wouldn’t be right. All I ask is that you let us protect you. I’ve waited years to meet my mate, and now I finally have you. It’s far too soon to lose you.” Silas pleaded with his eyes. I gave him a short nod, accepting at least him was a foot in the right direction. The fiancé stuff with Cedric is complicated and I have yet to even figure that out.
Silas pressed a quick kiss to my temple before taking my hand and leading me back towards the house. Cedric pressed at my mind, making me hiss in pain. Silas stilled.
“What’s wrong?” He pressed. I shook my head lightly. “Cedric’s trying to break my mental barriers again. Nothing new.” Silas’s eyes darkened as he dragged me through the front door and towards the living room. By now the others had calmed down. Elysian stood at the far window gazing out, his hands clasped behind him. Alexander was pacing the living room, his shoulders bunched up with tension. Cedric strode from his seat on the couch to stand in front of me.
“Do not leave without telling us where you are going.” he growled, his eyes examining my face for any signs of distress.
“She was with me and she is perfectly safe. The wards around the house are stronger than I’ve ever seen. We have nothing to worry about as long as we don’t cross them. You on the other hand need to stop trying to take down her barriers, perhaps she has them up for a reason.” Silas got into Cedric's face, his eyes flashing a dangerous gold. I placed my hand on his bicep, his muscles rapidly relaxing under my touch.
“Can we just focus on the case now?” Silas gazed back at me, his face softened as he nodded.
Pulling out my phone I dial Eric's number. The phone rings for a few seconds before he answers.
“It’s Genesis,” I answer.
“Ah, I’m assuming the other two have arrived? Elysian, Silas?” He called through the phone.
“We’re here,” Elysian answered.
“Perfect, now that ever one is here, we have a few things to discuss.” Eric began. “The manananggals are extremely dangerous so proceed with caution. Now that you’re all together I want you to check with the local covens if they’ve noticed anything weird or strange happening within the area. Also, check the perimeter of the town as well as the crime scenes for any clues. We need to get these manananggals under control and quickly. We can’t afford any more casualties. Stay under the radar, and Elysian, make sure you’re either shifting or using a glamour spell.” Eric fired out the orders. He was speaking so fast it was almost impossible to keep up. Everyone agreed and said their goodbyes to Eric. I hung up my phone and glanced around the room at the men.
“We’re heading out first thing tomorrow morning. For now make sure you have everything you’ll need in case we do come across one.” They all nodded their eyes hard and their heads in the game.
That night I spent my time in my room, all that testosterone was giving me a headache. I pulled out my keepsake box, it was the one thing that held value to me. Opening it I pull out the photo of my parents. The image was old and worn, but none the less held memories.
My parents started lovingly at each other, arms wrapped around each other with lip splitting grins. My mother sported white hair and clear blue eyes on dark mocha skin. My father donned a lighter almond skin tone, black hair and brown eyes. They both looked so happy...
I have little memory left of them, all I have left is my mothers broach and this picture. I pulled the broach from the box, the metal cool to my skin. The broach was small, the center featuring a bird with large wigs. I never knew what this was from.
But what I did know was that something terrible happened to my parents and I have no memory of it.