Chapter Two

Chapter Two:

“You promise we will find him?” Ariana asked for what seemed like the hundredth time in an hour as they walked in the shadows of the buildings.

“Yes. I believe I have already said that, unless you were thinking I was going to change my mind since the last time you asked me. Which was when? Oh yes, three minutes ago,” Falon said, frustrated with this whole thing. “Stupid man. Side bleeding. Always getting hurt because of her visions. Doesn't believe me,” she mumbled to herself as they continued to walk down the street. Ariana had patched up Falon a little, but they really did not have the supplies they needed to do a good job.

Ariana listened as her friend mumbled and she couldn't help but chuckle. “I thought everything went quite well. Also the Fae you were with was quite attractive, was he not?”

Falon stopped suddenly and turned to face Ariana. “He bloody stabbed me! I saved his life and he stabbed me. How's that for gratitude?” She then turned back around and started walking again. “Stupid man. Bloody visions. I Couldn't have a normal best friend, oh no. Fate and its sense of humor.”

Ariana chuckled again. “I should be offended, but I cannot be. When you mumble like that you sound like a little child. If it helps, I will not ask you again.”

Falon looked over her shoulder, but she did not say anything else as they continued through the shadows to their destination. Finally they made it to the house the council had told her about. Falon was getting ready to climb up the tree that was next to the house when Ariana placed her hand on her shoulder.

“Are you sure you are up to this?” Ariana asked as she watched her friend getting ready to climb up the tree onto the second story roof. It had only been an hour since Falon had gotten hurt and Ariana was afraid that she would be too weak.

Falon looked over her shoulder at Ariana and narrowed her eyes. “What do you think?” Falon asked snapped, and Ariana raised her hands in surrender. “Just keep a look out.” She began to climb the tree. Ariana shook her head at her friend's stubbornness, but did what she was told.

After climbing up the tree and making her way across the second story roof to the open window, she slowly and quietly crawled in. As she came into the office she quickly looked around. She knew what she was after, but she didn't know where it was. “If I was a stack of papers where would I be?” Falon mumbled to herself. After a few more minutes of searching, she smirked as she pushed aside a bookcase to reveal a hidden nook behind it. In the nook were the papers she was looking for. “No one is creative with their hiding places anymore.” She quickly put them in her bag and pushed the bookcase back.

As Falon was getting ready to climb out the window, her eye caught sight of something on the desk. She smiled to herself and headed back into the room, grabbing up the bag of gold with a chuckle. What kind of thief would she be if she didn't take something a little more valuable than papers?

Falon smiled as she thought about how many mouths this gold would feed. After putting the gold in her bag she quickly left the room through the window. As she made her way across the roof and down the tree, she remembered the pain in her side. She gritted her teeth as she hit a limb and pain shot through her. Finally, after what seemed like forever, her feet touched the ground. Once she had regained her balance, she and Ariana hurried away from the house and headed out of town.

They were about half way out of the town when Fate decided to interfere with their lives yet again. Falon swore under her breath as she saw James, the bartender, being dragged toward the prison by the Witch guards.

“Great,” Falon muttered as she stared after them.

“Falon, why do they have James?” Ariana asked in confusion. It wasn't like James to get into trouble. Actually, most Humans stayed out of trouble because of how harsh the Witches and Fae were to them.

“Probably because of the fight. They will want information, especially the names of us and the Fae that fought the Witches. Once they realize that he doesn't know they will kill him because it happened in his bar.” Falon put her back to the wall that she was standing beside and took a deep breath. “Go get his family and meet me in Thief's Cave. I will meet you there as soon as I have James,” Falon said, knowing that if she left James with the Witches then his blood would be on her hands. She also knew that when he didn't-or rather, couldn't-give up any names, they would use his family against him. James would die, but not before watching his entire family tortured and killed.

Falon shook her head knowing that she just could not let that happen. She did not want to have anymore blood on her hands, she had enough already.

“Good luck, my friend,” Ariana said as she clasped Falon's arm. “And be careful.”

“You as well.” Falon went to leave, but then she stopped. Without turning around she spoke to Ariana. “If I am not there by dawn, go home.”

“I do not think so,” Ariana replied before she disappeared.

Falon sighed deeply, knowing that her friend would come after her if she didn't show up to the caves by dawn. She shook her head again and hurried toward the prison. She needed to focus on retrieving James and getting out safely. It seemed to take a lifetime for Falon to arrive at the prison but finally she made her way into an office window. Slowly, she made her way through the halls. This was not the first time she had been in a prison, nor was it the first time she had broken into one, with each time she wished it was her last. With ever step she felt like the walls were closing in on her, trying to keep her a prisoner. A shiver went down her spine as memories slowly and painfully went through her mind from a time when she wasn't someone breaking into the prison, but a prisoner herself. Falon shook her head trying to clear it of the dread and fear that always accompanied those memories. She needed to stay focused. Staying focused was the difference between success and failure. As she hid in the shadows and waited for a guard to pass, she took control of the fear trying to take root in her mind and continued on through the dark hallways that reminded her of a never ending abyss.

Falon swore under her breath as she looked around the corner that lead to the prison cells. Her eyes fell on two guards hitting James the last of the blows sending him to the hard ground, gasping for breath. Falon leaned back and put her head against the wall. This is going to be fun, she thought sarcastically as she pulled out two throwing knives. She hated to kill, but she had no choice. If she left these two guards alive they would raise the alarm before she even had a chance to get James to safety. Falon quietly came around the corner and threw her knives at the two Witch guards. They stuck in their chests before they even had a chance to react.

“Good throw,” James rasped out as he looked up and saw the hooded figure coming towards him. He didn't know who it was and he really didn't care. If it wasn't for this stranger he would be in a lot worse condition.

Falon came over to James and helped him to his feet. When James saw her face, he was in complete shock, “Red?” This could not be the woman he had seen at his bar for the past three years. She was a Human. Humans did not go around killing Witches. Humans kept their heads down and hoped that they avoided trouble. There was just no reason to fight against a group of beings that had power when you didn't.

“Were you expecting someone else?” Falon asked giving him a small smile. “Come on, let's get out of here.”

“My family. They will go after them,” James said, his face and voice showing his pain.

“Goldy is getting them. They are going to meet us somewhere safe.” Falon looped his arm around her neck and put her's around his waist, “They really hurt you didn't they?” James was a good man and a Human. He had no power to fight against the Witches or their abuse. Falon shook her head as she thought about the fact that so many Humans had lost their lives just because a Witch or Fae hadn't liked them. It had gotten to the point that there were very few Humans left at all.

“I will be fine,” James said, “Let's get out of here. I have spent enough time in this place to last me a life time.” As they neared the door, two more Witches appeared blocking their path. “This is not good.”

“This is just not my day.” Falon said under her breath. She slowly moved her hand to her bag hoping that she had something left after the bar, but she knew she it was a false hope. Falon rolled her eyes as she wished that Fate would give her a break just once.

“Remove your hand from that bag,” one of the Witches said in a booming voice.

Falon did as he asked, thinking of a way to buy more time. If she had been alone she would not worry about it, but she could not risk James getting hurt.

“Now remove that hood,” the Witch ordered.

Falon closed her eyes, knowing that if this particular guard saw her face she would be in big trouble. “I think not,” she said, trying to disguise her voice. Really, Fate, can you not give me a break just this once? Falon asked in her head as she tried to figure a way out of this situation.

As the two guards started to draw their power, Falon could see it building in their hands. “Now!” The Witch yelled at Falon as he sent a burst of power flying past Falon and James' head. She saw James flinch out of the corner of her eye, but she didn't move. “Or do you want to be responsible for his death?” he asked pointing at James.

Falon sighed deeply, knowing that she was out of options. Slowly she moved her hand to her hood and pulled it back. Her dark red hair spilled around her shoulders.

“Well, well. I haven't seen you in a long time, Falon,” the Witch said with disgust.

“Amos.” This was one Witch she could have gone her entire life without ever seeing again. Fate, you suck. Falon thought as she stared the Witch down. If she didn't figure a way out of this then her life was going to end very shortly, especially if Amos handed her over to Damien as he had done before.

“It has been a long time. I believe the price on your head has gone up since last we met.” Amos said as he sauntered toward Falon and James.

Falon raised an eyebrow at him and tried to not laugh. Though Amos was aiming for a menacing swagger, his walk was more of a priss. Falon couldn't help it when a laugh escaped from her. It was hard for her to take this man seriously. “So I see you still haven't mastered how to walk like a man. Is that why you always use so much power? Are you trying to compensate for something?” Falon asked, her voice dripping with disdain. She knew she shouldn't have said it, but sometimes she just couldn't stop what came out of her mouth. She knew she had pushed him too far when he threw a bolt of power at her. “Move!” she yelled as she shoved James out of the way trying to dodge the blow. She closed her eyes, knowing that there was not enough time. She said an incantation to put up a shield, but she did know if it was enough.

---

Aidan looked down at the bartender and the mysterious woman from the bar. He had come to rescue the man, but it looked like the woman had beat him to it. She was really doing a number on his ego, saving him and beating him to the rescue. However, Aidan couldn't help but smirk at her courage. He had never met a Human as brave as her before. Aidan stilled as he saw the two guards approach the woman. As he watched the first blast go past her head, he felt something in him start to build. It felt like his insides were all tied up and he really wasn't sure he liked it.

Aidan looked at the woman and felt a protectiveness come over him like nothing he had ever felt before. Actually, if he were honest with himself, he would admit that he had never felt a protectiveness for anyone. He heard the guard tell her to take off her hood for the second time, and he felt his chest grow tight as the woman pulled her hood back to reveal beautiful, dark red hair. As he looked at her hair he was reminded of the embers of a fire. He shook his head, pulled his eyes away from the woman, and listened as the Witch called the woman Falon. Aidan lalmost laughed as Falon unmanned the Witch with her sharp wit. It had been a long time since he had enjoyed a conversation as much as he was enjoying this one. Aidan had to admit she had a quick mind and her courage knew no bounds. Of course, the woman probably could use a bit of fear in her to keep her alive longer.

As Aidan watched he knew his time was up. He quickly jumped down and put a shield up as a blast came towards Falon. He held the shield with everything in him, knowing that he had to protect this woman even if it was just to yell at her later about her own stupidity.

---

Falon looked in shock at the Fae standing in front of her. What was he doing? Was he trying to protect her? “What are you doing here?” she demanded. It had been a long time since someone had tried to protect her and she wasn't for sure if she liked it.

“Saving your life,” Aidan said as he pushed the power back toward the Witch, knocking him down. He was about to do the same thing to the other when a knife flew past his shoulder and stuck in the Witch's chest. Aidan turned around and raised an eyebrow at the woman. A ghost of a smile appeared on his face as she shrugged her shoulders and turned away from him.

“I do not need saving,” Falon said as she hurried over to James. She was about to help him up when the Fae grabbed her by the waist, picked her up, and set her back on her feet away from James. “What are you doing?

“That was not what it looked like from where I was, and I was moving you so I could help this man,” Aidan said as he helped the man up and headed for the door.

“Maybe you should have moved so you could have gotten a better view,” Falon said, her voice showing her annoyance. She hadn't needed saving in a long time. How could she have been so off today? She didn't even realize those two Witches were near until it was too late.

Aidan chuckled. “You are annoyed that I saved you.” Most women would be falling at his feet thanking him. Aidan imagined that she was the type of woman who would fall at his feet to thank him, but then he shook his head. This woman in front of him would never be that type, and he was glad of it he had enough of those kind around him to last a lifetime.

Falon stopped and looked at the Fae. “Yes. I...” She ran her hand through her hair in frustration. “Sorry. I should have said thank you. Besides, I am not the only one who has trouble being saved,” she said, her voice tinged with anger.

“I do not understand,” Aidan said with confusion as they came to the door that lead to the outside. He did not know what she was talking about. When had he not handled being saved by her well? Although his ego had taken a beating, he thought he had handled it very well.

“Did you forget that when I saved you, you stabbed me? Listen, not that I'm not enjoying this conversation, but we need to focus.” Falon saw two more Witch guards a little further ahead. Normally she would avoid them, but they were near the gate that she needed to go through to get to Thief's Cave. They could go through another gate, but it would take them several hours out of their way. Falon sighed, knowing that if they did not get to the caves by dawn then Ariana would be coming after them. She had to make it to the caves. She would not risk Ariana getting caught because of two measly guards.

“We will continue this conversation later,” Aidan said. He did not enjoy being reminded of the grave mistake he had made earlier. It wasn't as if she was wounded too bad, considering she was out running about rescuing people. If he had hurt her too bad she wouldn't have been able to do the things she was doing. Aidan frowned as he thought about the effect this woman was having on him. He didn't like it one bit. He also did not enjoy the way she spoke to him. Aidan was determined to have a word with her later about the patronizing tone she was using towards him. He was definitely going to have to put her in her place. No woman had ever talked to him in such a manner and he wasn't going to let this one.

Aidan narrowed his eyes at her, but he noticed that she wasn't paying him any attention. He looked out the door to see what she was looking at and saw two Witch guards standing near the gate. “We need to go that way.” Aidan said point to the left. He needed to get Falon and the man as far away from the guards as possible. It was only logical that they go through another gate, one that wasn't guarded.

“You do that,” Falon said as she dug in her bag. She sighed knowing that if she wasn't being physically drawn to him she wouldn't be so annoyed. What was wrong with her? She had never noticed the color of a man's eyes before, but she noticed this Fae's-green with flecks of gray in them. As she looked into them, she felt drawn to him. She felt her heart skip a beat every time he stood near and she swore he was the best-smelling man she had ever smelled before. Falon cursed in her head. Maybe the injury was causing brain damage. She shook her head to get the silly thoughts out of her mind. She did not have time for all of this nonsense. She needed to get to Thief's Cave before it was too late. The effects of losing too much blood was starting to get to her.

Aidan grabbed Falon by the arm and jerked her so she was looking at him. Anger filled him as he thought about her going toward those two guards. The only reason she had done so well in the bar was because of those devices. He knew that some Witches made devices that Humans could use with just a few words. It wasn't the Human that held the power, but the device itself. He also knew that she could throw a knife, but he was positive that it was only timing and luck that had given her victory on both accounts. Aidan knew that if he hadn't intervened in the prison, she would now be captured or dead. With her sassy mouth he would lean more towards dead.

“I do not have time for your insolence. We are going the way I said. I will not have you die because you do not know how to use your head.”

Falon felt her eyes turn red as his grip on her tightened. She tried to let the anger go so that her eyes would not change, but she could not. She didn't know if it was because he dared to touch her, or that the idea of him being angry at her was upsetting to her. She had never cared if someone was angry at her, and she wasn't going to start now... no matter how beautiful his eyes were or how much she longed to feel his arms around her. Oh, where the hell did that come from?! Falon thought her anger rising to another level. She forgot all about control as she spoke to Aidan. “Get your hand off me.”

Aidan had never seen eyes like Falon's before. They intrigued him. All the Humans he had known in the past had one set eye color. Even Witches' and Fae's eyes did not change. “Your eyes are turning red.”

“That means I am angry. Now. Let. Me. Go.” Falon said, speaking to him through clenched teeth.

Aidan let go of Falon's arm and stared at her. He tilted his head, trying to figure out exactly what had happened. As he watched her take deep breaths, he saw her eyes turn back to their normal deep brown. Although Aidan like the warm brown color of her eyes, he had really like the red, though he didn't understand why.

Aidan cleared his throat and cleared his mind. “You need to come with me. I will get you safely out of the city.”

“No, my friend is going to meet us with James' family in Thief's Cave.” Falon pointed to the gates. “I need to go that way to get to the caves. If we go out any other gates it will take too long. I only have until dawn before my friend comes after me.”

“Listen, my friend went to help James' family as well. He will take her to the most logical choice. He will also make sure she does not leave until I get there.” If he let her go at all Aidan thought. He pictured Cale's face when he had noticed that the women had disappeared. When Cale got the woman back he was not going to be letting her out of his sight. “Besides, there are two guards that way. How do you suggest we get rid of them? Do you have any more tricks in that bag? If I use my magic we will have more guards on top of us before we can even finish off those two. Plus, I am the only one here with magic, and I am not risking over-taxing myself because you want to have a shorter walk.”

Falon raised an eyebrow at him, taking off her cloak and bag. Aidan felt his mouth fall open as he took in her tight black leather pants, and black corset that she wore over white shirt. He eyed the laces that held her shirt closed at her chest. He had never seen a woman dressed the way she was. If a woman did not wear a dress then she wore men's clothing, but not in this manner. Aidan licked his lips as he noticed her figure. She really was a beautiful woman. As he looked her up and down, he wondered how many other men had seen her dressed in such attire. For some reason the thought made his blood boil.

Aidan's anger-and for lack of a better word, desire turned into pure shock as he watched her begin to untie the laces to the top of her shirt. “What...what are you doing?” He felt his mouth go dry as the laces gave way and most of her chest was exposed for him to see. What the hell was she thinking showing that much of herself?! “You...You...” Aidan stumbled over his words not knowing what to say. It was as if his tongue had forgotten how to work. That, or his brain. He quickly grabbed her cloak and tried to wrap it around her shoulders to cover her up. He realized that he was not the only one seeing her chest. He gave a quick glare at James, who actually didn't look too interested before turning back to Falon, who was looking at him with an annoyed look on her face.

“I took my cloak off for a reason. Now will you hold on to this for me?” she asked, handing him her bag and then taking off the cloak again.

Aidan growled as he saw her exposed flesh again. It wasn't as if he wasn't enjoying the view, but he did not like the idea of other men enjoying the view. He shook his head. He had never been a possessive man and he wasn't going to start with some Human woman. He needed to figure out what was wrong with himself and get over it. He had things to do and they did not involve getting tangled up with this stubborn, annoying woman. “Put that back on. You are not decent,” he snapped as he once again tried to cover her up.

“Just hold it, will you? Listen, I will put it back on in a moment. Just wait here. I will be right back.” Falon gave him a sassy smile then walked off.

“Get back here!” he hissed. He felt his gut tighten as he watched her walk towards the two Witches. What was she doing? She was going to get herself killed. Aidan didn't know what to do. If he called out to her any louder he would be heard and if he went after her they would be caught.

Falon walked towards the Witches, her hips swaying as she did. She needed to make herself look drunk and easy. With her tight leather pants and unlaced top she was definitely pulling it off. All she had to do now was be convincing. Of course that was going to be difficult because the idea of getting anywhere close enough to pull off what she had to do was already making her sick to her stomach. “You can do this,” she said under her breath as she continued towards the Witches. It would only take a moment and then she would re-lace her shirt and put her cloak back on. She tried to look as confident as possible. Well, as confident as a drunk woman could look.

“Lookie what we have here,” one of the men said as Falon stumbled into him. She smiled up at him sweetly.

“I seem to be lost,” she said slurring her words together. “Can you take me home?” She looked at him coyly batting her eyelashes. She had seen some women do these things at home, but she had never tried them herself. To be honest, she really did not understand the whole process of getting a man. She had not bothered with it, considering no man would ever want to be with her full time anyway. Of course, there were always those looking for a one night stand, but she wasn't interested in that.

“I can do better than that. I'll take you home with me,” the other Witch said as he pulled her by the waist into his arms.

Falon felt like she was going to be sick as he leaned down, kissed her neck, and cupped her butt with his hands. “I think you should sleep,” Falon said fighting panic as she felt his hand inch up her body. She said a quick incantation and watched as both Witches fell asleep at her feet. She hoped that hurt like hell.

Aidan felt an anger and jealousy rise in him like he had never felt before as he watched that Witch put his hands on Falon's butt. He was thinking about heading over there and ripping the man's hands off when James grabbed his arm.

“She said to stay here.” He could tell by the look on his face that he was not happy with what Falon was doing. He wasn't happy about it much either, but he also knew that the girl could take care of herself. He had seen plenty of proof of that.

Aidan glared at James and was about to use his power to push him away when he saw the Witches drop to the ground, unconscious. He turned his head to see Falon re-lacing her shirt and walking towards him. “What were you thinking?!”

“I was thinking that the guards needed to be taken care of, so I took care of them. Listen, I am on a time frame.” Falon grabbed her cloak that had fallen to the ground and put it back on. She then grabbed her bag from the Fae. “Are we just going to stand here or are we going to go?”

“Do you know what they could have done to you?” He took her by the shoulders giving a small shake. Why was it that this Human took so many risks? Did she not think about her own safety?

Falon shrugged his hands off and looked up into his eyes. “I can take care of myself. I have been doing it for some time now.” She turned and headed the direction of the gates. It was still going to be a couple of hours before they arrived at Thief's Cave and she wasn't for sure if she had the energy to make it. She closed her eyes as she tried to block out the pain.

Aidan watched her leave in annoyance. He wondered if she was worth looking after, but in the end he just sighed and started walking.

“Cale, I'm going to kill you when I see you again.” His mood lightened as he thought about all the different ways he could kill Cale once they were back together.

A little tease..

Falon was drunk. Dead drunk. She had never been a drinker before, but a couple of hours ago it had sounded like a good idea. For the past three weeks she had tried to forget everything and everyone. Especially Aidan. It was better this way. She thought grimly as she took another swig of the bottle she was carrying in her hand. She thought about the last three weeks and cringed. She had run into one fight after another and yet she was still alive. If she hadn't been trying to get herself killed then she would have been killed. Wasn't Fate a fickle thing. When she was trying to stay alive she almost died and when she wanted to die she couldn't. Fate sucked. Falon shook her head trying to get those thoughts out of her head. As she continued to walk or rather stumble down the street she came face to face with three or was it six Witches. Falon thought to herself as she squinted her eyes trying to get them to stop moving. “Move out of the way you, idiots.” Falon said with a slur. Hey maybe this was her lucky day. Maybe Fate was back to working right.

“Well you have either gotten braver or dumber, Falon.” One of the Witches said with a sneer.

“I...would...go...with dumber, Amos.” Falon said as she swayed on her feet. “Now will you six stop moving so I can kill you.” Falon said her vision blurring and wavering making the three Witches turn into six moving ones again. Man she wished they would stop moving. It was starting to make her really sick.

“She is drunk. This should be easy.” One of the others said with a laugh.

“Knowing my luck lately....” Falon said and then stopped and closed her eyes to keep herself from throwing up, “Probably not.” As Falon faced off with the Witches she waited for them to send a blast her way, but before they could a masked figure appeared behind them.

“I want this one.” The figure said with a growl.

Falon watched as the figure took care of the three/six Witches with little problem then advanced on her. Great Fate was really getting on her nerves. Falon thought about stopping this figure just on the principle alone, but she didn't. She didn't fight as the figured neared. She just stood there. As he got closer she backed herself up until her back was pressed against the stone wall that surrounded the town she was outside of. It was the town she had met Aidan in. A pain shot through her as her mind went to Aidan. She wondered if he had even noticed she was missing. A part of her told her that yes he would have noticed and that he would be worried, but the other part told her that he wouldn't notice or care. Falon shook her head and tried to focus on the figure coming closer to her. She wasn't shocked when the figure grabbed her roughly and slammed her against the wall. She didn't even flinch or cringe when he put a knife to her throat. Yeah she was really proud of that and the fact that she hadn't even tried to fight. This time her instincts and Fate were going to lose. This guy would definitely get the job done. “Is this what you want?!” The figured yelled out at her. “Do you want me to kill you?”

Falon squinted at him and wondered why his voice sounded so familiar. She knew that in the deep part of her mind she knew that voice, but as drunk as she was she just could not recognize it. “Yes. This is what I want.” Falon said softly as a tear slide down her face.

Side Note:

Falon scoffed, but said nothing. When they came closer to the caves she stopped and turned to Aidan with a serious expression on her face, “Ariana is my best friend and my family if Cale hurts her in any way I will kill him.”-- Falon to Aidan.

-- Just so that my readers know Falon is a very interesting individual who, because of life experiences, does not trust others.  It is an interesting to see Aidan pull down the walls of her heart. 

 

Working on Editing my book. Hopefully it will be out by the end of this month.  Hey check out my facebook page to see a trailer of my book.  J.L. Hackett

“Yes, let's. I could use a bath and a hot meal.” Falon said with a smile. She then looked at Aidan with a raised eyebrow, “And maybe a soft bed.”

Scene From Thief's Fire.

“Why are you yelling at my friend?” Falon asked her voice growing stronger as anger began to fill her. No one had a right to yell at her friend, but her. Falon almost chuckled at the logic of that thought, but she contained herself. It wouldn't do her any good for Aidan to believe she was crazy. Of course why she cared what he thought was beyond her, but for some reason she did. For some reason she wanted him to like her. She wanted him to want to hold her. Not because she was hurt or weak, but because he cared for. Falon went stiff as a board as she realized where her thoughts had taken her. She had given up on the dream of a man holding her and caring for. So why was it coming back now. Falon shook her head and relaxed again. It was just the loss of blood because she knew that dreaming and hoping for that man was just a beautiful lie. It was nice to hold in her heart, but it would never come true.

“She is incompetent.” Aidan said not looking away from Cale and Ariana. How could Ariana had led them further into the cave with no where else for them to go. He had told her Falon needed somewhere warm and safe, but instead she had lead them throughout a freezing cave. Was she really that stupid of a Witch?

“You should not have said that.” Ariana said softly as she looked at Aidan nervously. This was not good.

“Why no...” Before Aidan could finish he was flying backwards across the cave. He hit the wall of the cave opposite of where he had been standing. What the hell had just happened? Aidan thought as he shook his head and looked up from the floor where he had landed after hitting the wall.

Falon, you need to think before you act.” Ariana said as she came to her friend.

“Yeah, yeah.” Falon said through clenched teeth.

Little Pieces.

I have am not going to be putting any more big chunks of Thief's Fire up.  However I will be putting little pieces up, hopefully, to get you interested. Enjoy!

“So I see you still haven't mastered how to walk like a man. Is that why you always use so much power? Are you trying to over compensate for something?” Falon asked her voice dripping with disdain and humor. – Falon to bad guy

Thief's Fire

To celebrate reaching sixty likes on my author page I am posting the prologue and first chapter for all to see.  I hope you enjoy it and remember that this is just the rough draft so there may be some errors.  Thank you all!

Prologue

It was a time of war and destruction. A time when darkness ruled the heart of many. A time when a group called the Elementals ruled. This group was born Human, but at fifteen when they came of age a power was awaken inside of them. The power of fire, water, earth, or air. At one time when the Elementals first came into existence they were seen as protectors of the Human race, the mediators of power between the Humans and the other magical beings that lived on our world. Without them the Fae and Witches would declare war on one another and the Humans would be the ones to pay the highest price, for they were the only ones not gifted with magical abilities.

As the years went by and generation after generation of Elementals were born the power that was suppose to be used to protect turned into one of pure destruction. They saw themselves as gods instead of gifted Humans. They used their abilities to not only force the Humans they had sworn to protect to worship them, but also the Witches and wizards. Finally, their destruction and power became to much for the three groups to bare. The three groups banded together to fight against the Elementals, to end their reign and destroy them for good.

One by one the families were destroyed, the gifts of the Elementals dying with them, until only one Elemental remained. The one Elemental that remained was a child. This Elemental had been taken in by a rogue Witch. The Witch knew that it was only a matter of time before he and the child were found. As he looked at the girl a pain shot through him. This was a baby, not a killer. He had taken her in and raised her as his own. He knew that no matter what he couldn't let anything happen to her. One night he sensed that their time was coming to a close. As the Witch looked at the child a smile spread across his face. This one would not be like the others. She would be strong and pure. He knew that she would not help destroy or conquer.

As he looked at her he knew that there was only one thing he could do for her. He could not save himself, but he could save this girl from the destruction and hatred that was at that moment surrounding them. He knew that if he did this his powers would be depleted and he would die, but he also knew that he had no choice. As he looked at the child he knew that this was the Elemental of the prophecy. He knew that the prophecy must come to pass if not then their world would never have peace again. Never would they step out of the darkness and into the light that was once their beautiful world. The Witch closed his eyes and with all the power that was within him he gave his life for the greater good. He said his last incantation before the house they were in was consumed by flames.

Chapter One:

A woman stood in the middle of the room cloaked. Her face covered by her scarf and the hood that covered her head. “Our spy tells us that the papers are located in a Witch's house in the small town near Thief's cave. We,” The man said as he looked around the room at the other council members, “want you and your partner to retrieve the papers at all cost. We can not have that information falling into Damian's hands. He is growing more powerful by the day. It will only be a matter of time before our secret is found out, but we will try to conceal it from him a little longer.” The council looked down at the woman and nodded their agreement. “Go and be careful.” The woman nodded her head and left the room.

---

Falon sat with her back to the far wall and scanned the bar. For what seemed like the hundredth time in mere minutes she tied her hair back at the nap of her neck. Falon sighed in frustration as a piece of hair worked its way out of her tie. “Come on Ariana.” She said under her breath waiting for her friend to show up. They had a job to do and she really wanted to get it over with. Falon scanned the room again and a small smile played at the corner of her lips as a blond haired woman came walking towards her, “It's about time.” Falon said as she used her foot to shove a chair towards her friend.

“Sorry, I'm running a tad late.” Ariana said as she looked at her friend. She frowned when she saw the dark circles under Falon’s eyes. Ariana shook her head as she took in Falon's disheveled appearance. Her red hair like normal was pulled back, but her clothes and eyes said that she had been on a long journey. “You haven't been sleeping well?”

“No.” she rubbed her face with her hands, “Listen how about we get something in us, go do this job, then go home for a while.”

Ariana gave her friend a small smile, “That sounds nice.” She said as she waved over the bar keep. He smiled at them as he came over, “Hello, James.”

“Red,” He said nodding towards Falon, “Goldy” He said as he looked at Ariana. The girls smiled as they looked at the man. They had known him for about three years now and every time they came in here he called them Red and Goldy. “So the usual.”

“That would do nicely.” Ariana said being her charming self. “How was the council meeting?”

Falon looked at James and nodded so that he would leave. “It went.” She said as she rubbed the back of her neck. “We are to steal the papers back at all cost.”

“Yes, I know.” Ariana said as she looked over at her friend.

“If you knew why did you ask?” Falon asked with a smirk.

“Conversation.” She looked over at Falon and noticed that her friend had grown stiff and she watched as suddenly Falon pulled her hood of her cloak up. She also watched as Falon covered her face with a scarf making only her brown eyes visible. Ariana looked into her friend's eyes and knew that trouble was brewing. She slowly pulled her hood up as well hiding her from whatever enemy Falon was seeing. “What is the trouble, my friend?” She asked not turning to look where Falon's eyes were looking.

“Fae bounty hunters.” Falon said as she looked around the room for an escape. She knew that the odds of them being there for them wasn't good, but she didn't want to take a chance. Not with them being this close to their prize. “We must leave.” She said as she touched her friend's hand.

At Falon's touch Ariana was pulled into a vision. A vision that took her breath away. “We can't.” Ariana said with a desperation to her voice.

“Don't do this, Ariana. Don't.” Falon said pointing her finger in Ariana's face. She knew the look on her friend's face. Falon sighed as she saw the stubborn set of her friend's jaw. There would be no talking Ariana out of whatever had entered her head.

“We must stay.” Ariana said with a worried expression on her face. “We must save them.”

Falon looked at her friend in shock, “No, absolutely not. I will not risk my neck and our job,” Falon said stressing the last part, “for some Fae bounty hunters.” Falon crossed her arms in front of her chest and stared down her friend.

“They are very important to the future. Our future. We must help them.” Ariana glanced over her shoulder and saw the two tall men that had grabbed Falon's attention. If her vision was correct they had very little time before those two ended up dead, “Falon, trust me.”

Falon rubbed her face with her hand and sighed deeply, “Of all the Witches for me to make friends with it had to be you. A bloody seer.” Falon looked at Ariana and gave her a small smile. “I do trust you, so what do I need to do.”

“You take the dark hair Fae and knock him to the ground. If not then that Witch over in the corner is going to kill him.” Ariana said jerking her head towards the Witch that Falon had noticed earlier. She knew by the way him and his three friends looked that they were up to no good.

“Right, now just so we get this straight. We are going to interfere with a Witch and Fae dispute which will put us in the middle.” Falon pinched the bridge of her nose, “You are going to get me killed by the end of the night.”

“No, it is not your time. Everything will be fine.” Ariana said with a smile.

“Why do I not find that comforting? Oh I remember because your visions have a habit of not being completely clear. Bloody seer.” Falon said glaring at her friend. She then looked at the two men, “Ariana, they both have dark hair.” She said as she raised her voice in annoyances. How was she suppose to know which one to save if they both had dark hair?

“The one with the longer dark hair. I believe his Fae mark is red. The others is silver.” Ariana said as she looked at the tattoo on the side of the two men's neck. Every Fae was born with a mark on the side of their necks so that everyone else knew what they were. Just like every Witch was born with silver or gold eyes.

“Great I get the mean looking one. You know this is probably going to end badly?” Falon said in a desperate sounding voice. Every time Ariana had a vision she ended up injured in some way. She was really not looking forward to this.

“Stop being so negative.” Ariana said as she looked at her friend. “Just get ready. I promise they are really important.”

“Very well. I am trusting you my friend, but if it comes down to us or them. I choose us.” Falon then got ready to move on her friend's signal.

---

As Aidan entered the bar his eyes scanned the crowd. Him and Cale had been hunting a Witch and they had finally cornered him. “This is a bad idea, Aidan.” Cale said as he looked around the room.

“We are just going to get him and get out.” Aidan said his voice calm and sure as always.

“Yeah and the fact that we are in a Witch town, in a Witch bar is not going to be a problem.” He said sarcastically, “This is a suicide mission my friend.” Cale said looking over at his best friend and leader. Aidan had black hair that came to his shoulders, green eyes, and a red mark on his neck. He was tall, but not as tall as Cale. He wasn't as built as Cale either, but he was meaner. He also looked exhausted.

“That is a mere technicality, not a problem and this is not a suicide mission.” Aidan looked at Cale. Cale had short dark hair, blue eyes and was taller and bigger than Aidan, but Cale was not near as mean. Aidan also was much older and had live through to much to be soft. “Have you lost your nerve for this job already?” Aidan asked with a raised eyebrow and a scoff, “Maybe you should wait outside.”

Cale growled at him through clenched teeth, “Do not push my patience. Besides I am not the one that looks like the walking dead. When was the last time you got a good night's sleep.”

“I can't seem to get the dreams to lessen. I have always had them, but lately they have gotten stronger.” Aidan closed his eyes as he thought about the beautiful voice and presence that haunted his dreams. He never saw the woman's face, but he felt her. She was a beautiful lie to believe in. Aidan knew that she wasn't real, that he would never met her, but it was still nice to think about her.

“Maybe you are getting close to meeting her. You are old. Most Fae have met their mates by your age.” Cale said jokingly.

“No, my mate died years ago. This is just fates way of torturing me.” Aidan gave him a ghost of a smile then scanned the room again. He needed to get focused and get his mind off of the woman that had haunted him for a thousand years. The woman he would never know. Aidan's small smile faded as he saw two hooded figures in the corner. It was never a good sign for someone to not want to be seen. He was thinking about after they finished their job finding out who the two were. As Aidan was turning his head back towards the other people in the bar his eyes caught the Witch they were after. As he stared the man down the man's face grew smug and it was then that Aidan realized that Cale had been right. This was a suicide mission. Man he really needed to get some sleep if he was making foolish mistakes like this.

---

Falon watched the Fae she was suppose to help closely and even from this distance she could see how attractive he was. She shook her head to get it focused and to get rid of the feelings that were entering her. Something about this Fae was different. It was as if she was being drawn to him. It was like fate was pulling them together, twisting their lives together by just being in the same room. Falon's eyes narrowed as she thought about fate. Fate was stupid. She thought to herself before she focused once again. Falon waited until the last possible moment to act. She hurried over to the Fae and knock him to the ground. As she knocked him to the floor she felt the bolt that the Witch had sent go over her head. The heat of the blast penetrating her cloak. That was really close, to close.

Aidan was stunned by the hooded figure knocking him to the ground. Before he could think his body acted pushing the stranger away and slashing at him with his knife. Instincts taking over.

Falon felt the knife slice across her side as the Fae she had saved fought against her. She rolled away enough to avoid getting cut a second time. Man it hurt like crazy. See this is what she got for doing what Ariana asked her to do. She thought as she felt the blood begin to run down her body. That was definitely going to leave a mark.

Aidan looked over at the hooded figure and was about to attack again when he looked behind him. He stood there for a moment in shock as he saw the hole in the wall behind where he had been standing. If the hooded figure hadn't of knocked him down he would be dead right now. How could his senses have been that off? Not only had he not been prepared for an attack, but he had also hurt the one person who had saved him. Suddenly all the anger that Aidan had been feeling turned to guilt as he looked down and saw the blood on the blade of his knife.

Falon turned around and saw the realization of the situation dawn in the Fae's eyes. Good, the stupid idiot finally realized she was a good guy. She shook her head to clear it from the pain that was coursing through her side and slowly she stood up. Once up Falon looked around for Ariana hoping that she was having a better time than she was. As her eyes fell on her friend and the other Fae she was confused by the look on his face. He looked as if he was not only in shock, but also in awe of Ariana who was on top of him. Falon shook her head not understanding what all that was about and really not caring. All she wanted to do was get her friend out of here and let these Fae handle their own problems. Falon looked around the room to find the Witches that were causing so much problems. As she looked her eyes fell on a particular Witch that was aiming at her friend. Panic filled her as the Witch aimed at Ariana and the other Fae. Falon was trying to get her feet moving so she could help her friend, but in her mind she knew that she was to far away to help. As she watched the Fae rolled Ariana to her back and covered her with a shield ultimately protecting her from danger. Falon was about to handle that Witch when she was suddenly knocked to the ground onto her stomach. The force of the fall knocking the breath out of her. “Stay down.” The Fae she had saved yelled as the Witch that had attacked them sent another burst of power at them. This was really getting old. She thought as her mind cleared from the pain and her breathing went back to normal.

Aidan put up a shield around him and the hooded figure as the Witch sent a blast of power at them. He mumbled under his breath as the stupid Human under him tried to move again, “I said stay down.” He said through gritted teeth. What was his problem? Did he want to get himself killed?

“I heard you the first time.” Falon said as she moved her hand to her bag that was draped across her shoulder under her cloak. Once her hand found the device she was looking for she brought it out and slid it across the floor so that it was at the feet of the two Witches that were attacking them. Falon smiled as the Witches looked down in shock. Falon said the incantation to get the device to work. She then watched as the device exploded knocking the two unconscious. “Please get off of me.”

Aidan was in shock as a woman's voice came out from under the hood. He was also shocked when he looked over his shoulder and saw the two Witches unconscious. He had thought for sure that she was just a Human, but now he wasn't quite certain. Aidan quickly got off of the figure, then jerked the figure around until he or she was looking at him. There was no way that it was a woman. He couldn't have been saved by a mere woman, especially a Human woman. Aidan frowned as he jerked down the scarf that covered the figures face. His breath caught in his throat as he stared down at a beautiful woman. As he looked in her eyes and saw the brown color to them he knew that this woman was also Human. Great, a Human and woman had saved him. How embarrassing. “You're a woman.” Aidan said his voice giving away his shock. This could not be happening.

“You are very perceptive.” Falon said sarcastically as she pushed him away from her. As Falon turned around she was faced with two more Witches, “Really? Do you two not have anything better to do?” Falon asked with an annoyed tone of voice. This was getting ridiculous. All she had wanted when she entered the bar tonight was to get a good meal then head out to work. Instead of that she was bleeding, in pain, and about to face off with two Witches. Why she couldn't have a friend who didn't see the future she would never know? She would blame fate yet again for making her life more complicated.

Aidan stood next to the woman and tried to shove her behind his back, “Are you insane?” He asked as he looked around the room. Not only were there two Witches in front of them, but now Cale had two in front of him and the blond haired woman. Aidan frowned as he realized that Cale's savior had been a woman as well. He looked over his shoulder to get a better look at his savior, but most of her was still concealed by her cloak and hood. Why couldn't of her hood fallen down like the other woman's.

“I am not insane, nor am I the one not paying attention.” Falon said as she noticed that the Fae was looking at her instead of the Witches that were sneering at them. “Move!” She yelled shoving the Fae. As she shoved him away she grabbed two more devices out of her bag and threw one at the Witches coming towards them and the other at the one that was about to attack Ariana and the other Fae. After a quick incantation the devices released a gas making the men fall to the ground asleep. Once the guards were out Falon looked over at Ariana and scoffed as she saw that her friend had been shoved behind the Fae's back. “Your friend should have let my friend handle the problem and I wouldn't have had to interfere.” Falon said with a little bit of annoyance to her voice.

“He was just protecting her. Most Humans need protection.” Aidan said as he looked down at the woman.

“She is a Witch not a Human and we don't need help. Nor do we want it.” Falon said as she glared at the Fae. Aidan shook his head then they both walked over to their friends. Falon took Ariana off to the side away from the two Fae. “We must go. Now.” Falon said her voice full of authority and anger. Ariana looked at Falon with a sadness in her eyes that Falon had never seen. “Don't. Whatever it is just don't. We have a job to do.” Falon said through clenched teeth as she tried to push the pain aside. Her side was really hurting and it was all because of that...that Fae.

“I can't leave him.” Ariana said as she looked over her shoulder and saw the two Fae talking. “He's my mate.” She said her voice sounding weak and helpless. “Please, Falon. Please.” Ariana said her voice sounding desperate.

Falon rubbed her temples with her fingers, “Ariana, we don't have time for this.” She then looked up and her eyes met her friend's eyes. Falon sighed deeply as she saw the hurt in them. “Fine when we finish our job we will find them, but we have to leave right now.”

Ariana's shoulders sagged, “But what if we can't find them.”

Falon glared at Ariana, “Have I ever said something that I did not mean? Have I ever broken a promise to you?” She asked as she grabbed Ariana's shoulders so that her friend was looking straight at her.

“No.”

“Then trust me. I promise we will find him. Now Come on.” Falon said as she headed out of the bar. She smirked as they left the bar without the Fae noticing. Those two were some of the most unobservant Fae bounty hunters she had ever seen. Falon shook her head to clear it. She had a job to do and she needed to be focused.

---

“We need to go.” Aidan said as he looked at his friend keeping his eyes off of the two woman talking to the side. Especially the one who had saved him. Why he was feeling drawn to her he would never know. So far she had shown that she was stubborn, sarcastic, and annoying. She was definitely not the type of woman he liked to be around. So why was he being drawn to her? Aidan shook his head and tried to focus on what his friend was saying.

“I can't leave her, Aidan.” Cale said with a desperation to his voice that neither of them had ever heard before. He knew that Aidan would see it as a weakness, but he didn't care. The very idea of leaving his mate made his heart quicken and his chest tighten. He couldn't believe that he had finally found his mate. Cale closed his eyes in frustration at not only the fact that he had found his mate, but also at the fact that his mate was a Witch. Why couldn't his mate of been a Fae. Cale shook his head. It didn't matter she was his mate and no matter what she was she was his.

“We aren't taking them with us. We have enough to worry about without worrying about two women. What has gotten into you?” Aidan asked as he looked at his friend oddly. It was not like Cale to be this emotional about something. Cale was a joker, but he was not one to get upset or well frantic. It was just odd.

“She's my mate, Aidan. I won't leave her.” Cale said as he grabbed Aidan's arms and shook him. Aidan was taken back by the fierceness of Cale's voice. Cale quickly let go of his friend's arms and ran his hand through his short brown hair. “Besides it looks like they can take care of themselves. Listen I know it's crazy, but I can't leave her.”

“Cale, she is a Witch.” Aidan said with a sound of disgust to his voice. It wasn't like he didn't like the Witches, but it was not very often that the groups joined together. It was even rarer for a Fae and Witch to be mates. Aidan shook his head at how this night had completely gone crazy. Fate, Aidan thought with a scoff.

“I know she is, but it doesn't change the fact that she is my mate. Aidan, I have been waiting for her and I can't lose her now that I've found her. For some reason fate has decided that I am meant to be with a Witch so I will deal with that, but I will not deal with losing her.” Cale said as he looked at his friend.

Aidan pinched the bridge of his nose as he contemplated all the things that could and probably would go wrong with bringing those women with them. “Fine, but you are responsible for them. If they cause trouble or get in trouble it is on you. Not me. Is that clear?”

Cale's face broke out in a huge smile, “Very.”

Aidan watched as he friend turned quickly around. Aidan followed his friend's example and looked around the bar. He guessed he was going to have to be sociable if the women were going to be with them all the time now. Great he was going to get to spend more time with little miss sarcastic. As Aidan focused on his surroundings he noticed that the women were gone. He watched as Cale hurried outside. Aidan hurried after him and as he came out into the night he realized that the women were no where in sight. “Where did they go?!” Cale asked in a panic.

Aidan sighed deeply, “I do not know, but we will find them.” He said as he placed his hand on his friend's shoulder. He knew that Cale had always kept himself open for his mate which made finding her easier, but it also made him more sensitive about her. Aidan had always kept himself closed off, protected. Especially after finding out that he would never know his mate. After that he just didn't keep himself open to anything or anyone. What was the point. Aidan had learned long ago that you never lose control of your emotions and you definitely never let them control you. Aidan shook his head then shoved Cale down the alley. “Let's go find your mate and miss sarcastic.”