Worlds Collide

Chapter 17: The debt

Clouse POV

In less than three months I felt like a yo-yo being handled by a master. I used to live a very simple and uncomplicated life as a vampire for as long as I had existed and came to be. I came across other vampires that were babies compared to me until there was Zach Chance. He was younger, but not by much. Together we became brothers and went through the gates of Hell, conquered emperors, and went up against adversaries that would make the world shake. We had dealt with and escaped tales of old. We avoided apex predators. I’ve even been kissed by a mermaid. I thought a life in the ocean would be amazing, and a life with her would open my eyes. She wasn’t my Beloved, but her gift to me was something I would be forever grateful for. Life is not always so sweet and she was killed trying to outrun one of the many apex predators of the sea. When I came ashore Zach was there to dry me off. That was the only real relationship I had allowed myself to have and it wasn’t long before she was gone. I wandered the land aimlessly, fought in wars of men, monsters, heaven, and hell. I witnessed Cthulhu try to come into our world only to fail and go back into the cosmos. I have endured lifetimes of utter loneliness and then the one person I find that is my Queen is now in the care of the Djinn. My whole world is wrapped up with that woman, wolf, and future baby, and the sense of loss and loneliness this time is almost indescribable.

Djinn or as some know them as Genies are thought to be Arabic folklore, but they aren’t. They are very real and also have free will. They are just as old as I am and they possess within them old magic. They live in a parallel world to us and humans. They are everywhere and not to be disrespected. Just like humans they can be good, evil, or neutral. I have to concur with Zach that she seems to be with neutral Djinn and therefore she and the baby is safe. It also means that these are the most powerful beings. I have to figure out how to connect with my Queen and convince the Djinn that I am her mate and that I am nothing without them. How do I prove that they hold my life in their hands?

Zach and Esmeralda called in the council for paranormal beings, royals from all paranormal species, and every known favor possible. All murders and transgressions against me were dismissed after the old council was forced to step down thanks to Uncle and Esmeralda. They were the necessary catalyst to ignite the fire within everyone. All of the council was replaced with new blood and the council that had evidence against them for crimes against paranormal beings were stripped of their titles, wealth and executed. It was an absolute bloodbath. No f***s were given and I was proud of my Lieutenant and his beloved. Together they made an unstoppable force not to be reckoned with. Once everything was in order it was time to look at everything again and talk to Persephone’s parents. 

Her parents were at the hearing and change of power within the council. I had approached her parents and that was the hardest conversation I’ve ever had to have. Her mom and dad broke down into tears. Her brother became enraged, shifted, and started breaking furniture. Zach had to restrain him and calm him down. I finally was able to calm everyone down and ask for their help. They readily accepted my request and were calling in their favors to help figure out how to make contact with Persephone and pull her out of the grasp of the Djinn.

Constantine approached us with news about Persephone. We all stopped everything we were doing and gave him our full attention. He indicated his sources had found her in India. She is currently living in a small home and keeps to herself. She hasn’t been harmed at all. She is using all of the money from the shell accounts, has the Djinn running errands for her, and has no clue whatsoever that she is surrounded by Djinn. We all looked at Constantine with mouths gaped open. He just shrugged his shoulders and lit up a cigarette. He looked at me with narrowed eyes. He wanted out of his debt. I knew it. He knew it and was about to confirm it.

“If I help you gain access to India and to go to your Queen will that clear up my debt with you?” Constantine didn’t like owing favors. He was always a straight shooter type of archangel.

“Wait! What makes you so favorable to the Djinn? Huh? What’s the catch?” Koa stammered and puffed his chest up to Constantine. He's so lucky Constantine isn't a hothead like most archangels. Had it had been any other I know his questions and tone would have put him in a coma or worse. Constantine not only didn't give a f**k about who Koa was he just didn't give a f**k period.

“We don’t have time for this Koa!” Kai roared so loudly that everyone around stopped to see what the commotion was all about. We didn't need the attention and Kai swiftly spun around to look at every one. The crowd of onlookers dispersed. Leilani clung to her husband and looked on in desperation. I looked from Koa to Constantine as I spoke.

"There's always a catch," grumbled Koa. He stood there watching us and arms crossed.

“Your dad is right Koa. We don’t have any time for this. Your sister, my Queen is halfway through the pregnancy. It’s been a month. We are no closer to finding another way to get a hold of her or to her. The Djinn are as old as the Angels and me. I know better. Whether Constantine has a catch to this or not I have to overlook it in order to get to her. Constantine, let’s write it out now, so no more time is lost. If you do have a way for me or us to gain access to India and get to my Queen alive on both ends then consider us square. This is for all of the times I’ve saved your ass. ” Constantine pulled out a simple pocket knife and nicked his hand to draw blood. He handed it to me. I did the same and we shook.

“No time for frivolous paperwork. There’s no catch. I’ll get to work. I’ll get you a way in. Give me three days. I know that sounds cliché since ya know the whole ‘Genie in a Bottle’ thing, but I’m not joking. Don’t do anything stupid in the meantime and when I call get ready to follow my directions no matter what they are.” Constantine had locked eyes with me when he said this. The room shook and the shadow of his wings was exposed. Almost everyone there cowered in fear. I did not. The deal was final and his debt was about to be repaid.