Into The Unknown World (Complete)

Chapter 23 - Rumors

I flipped through the book a few more times, nothing else catching my eye, so I opened the folder that Charles handed me and skimmed it. No names popped out to me and I sighed. I wasn't going to find the answers and I knew that. With that, I stood up and opened my door, walking over to the desk. Charles quickly stood up and I shook my head.

"Don't worry, you can sit. What can you tell me about the person who dropped off this folder?"

"Honestly, ma'am, nothing. A gentleman came in, said he wanted to talk to you about hiring you. I told him he needed to fill out a packet and handed me that. Do you know him?"

"I'm not sure. But thank you. Please go home, it's early, spend some time with your wife and tell her I said hello." He smiled his thanks and I walked back into my office. I kicked my heels off and sat back behind my desk, even more confused. Witches could live for a long while, they, like wolves, aged gracefully, but they sure didn't live like vampires. So, the idea that those three were still around was truly absurd. And yet, I was always taught by Celeste to follow your gut and my gut was screaming that those three witches were around and kicking again. Of course, it's possible they never left this world, but that would really go against everything I knew and believed actually.

I frowned and threw the folder back on my desk. That wasn't something I could handle right now; not when I was dealing with strange ass wolves and blood thirsty vampires and a damn wolf who was my beloved, whose very arms and lips I wished I had right now. Guess that answered my question about a fling; no one has ever captured my attention like this. But, he wasn't just any man, right? I sighed, my thoughts becoming a jumbled mess, and I hated it.

"Knock, knock." I turned around and smiled.

"Alpha Richard, to what do I owe this pleasure? Charles didn't mention we had a meeting."

"We don't, Fire, but I wanted to come by and invite you."

"Oh, to what?" I leaned against my desk as I grinned, watching him.

"I'm having a party, some special wolves are in town and I wanted to have a party in their honor. So, I'm inviting some friends and a few close vampires that I know of. They might be good for your business too."

"Oh, of course I'd go. When is it?"

"Two weeks from now, that Saturday."

"I look forward to it." Richard nodded and stepped more into the room, pausing a few steps away.

"You know, I'm not one to believe rumors, but have you noticed any strange happenings with your fellow vampires or any wolves?" I watched him carefully. I trusted very few people and though I worked with him that did not mean I trusted him.

"No, I have no clue what you are referring to. Has something happened?" Richard stared into my eyes, searching for any information, but being as old as I am, you learned how to hide your thoughts very well.

"Maybe you just haven't heard, or there is no truth to them. Have a good night Fire, and I look forward to seeing you in a few weeks."

"Same here Alpha." Richard turned and walked away, but my unease didn't leave; something was going on and I was starting to think that Grayson and I were caught up in it.

-----

Grayson walked into his office, having been surprised when he got the mind link that Alpha Richard was here and requesting to talk to him. Anytime that man needed to talk, he always called.

"Richard, to what do I owe this pleasure?"

"Ah, Grayson, it's good to see you again."

"Likewise."

"I was just coming back from Fire, you have business dealings with her, right?"

"Yes, but I didn't know you had business with her."

"Oh, one of a few."

"That I knew, just didn't know who they are."

"Right. Anyways, I was inviting her to my party. I have some visiting friends and thought I'd invite you, and Dylan of course."

"I think we can manage to be there."

"Thank you." Richard got up and walked to the door but paused. "Grayson?"

"Yes?"

"If rumors are to be believed, your pack is the pack that had dealings with that oddly different rogue, is that true?"

"As you say, Richard, it's just a rumor. We have had our fair share of attacks, but they are normal rogues."

"Do you find you are having more of a problem with them? That more rogues seem to be coming?"

"Outside of the norm, no. Do you seem to have an influx of attacks?"

"Actually, our pack has been quiet."

"False sense of security do be mindful of that."

"Of course. I'll send you the information about the party."

"Yes, thank you." Grayson walked Richard out, quickly mind linking his warriors and told them to watch him, something was going on and he damn sure didn't trust Richard. With that, he walked back to his office and pulled his cell phone out.

"Well, hello handsome, to what do I owe this call?"

"Hi, I was bored and thought I'd call." Fire laughed at that as she sat back in her desk chair. "Thought I would call this lovely woman I know."

"An Alpha, who is bored, is NOT a good sign. And since I know you better than that, why not share what's on your mind."

"Did Richard see you? Do you work with him?"

"Yes and yes."

"Did he invite you to his party?"

"He did, Grayson."

"Did he make you as uncomfortable as me?"

"Probably more so. He was asking me about the vampire and the rouges."

"I only got the rogue."

"No one should have known about those, show could anyone else know, unless others are having issues?"

"No, you know we would have heard about it. But after you sent that picture, I did tell Dylan to keep an ear out about any witch issues."

"That's why I like you, you got a brain." We both chuckled at that. "Do you get the feeling that something is happening and we may be at the heart of it?"

"There is the brain at work that I admire. Fire. But yes, I do feel as if something bigger is going on."

"You will let me know if you hear anything, right Grayson?"

"Of course hon."

"Good."

"Fire, before you hang up."

"Yeah?"

"Are you free to join me on a date later?"

"How can I refuse?"

"Great, I'll pick you up at 8, nothing fancy, shorts or such will be fine."