Rogue Ghostbird

Chapter 6 - Kidnapping

Sang

My babies' birthdays were tomorrow. They were about to turn ten years old. I was out in town to buy some last minute presents. Every year, I got them two: one I imagine their father would get them and one I would. 

For Oliver, Owen's son, he is a serious, mature boy. I thought Owen would get him a set of books and a chess set he wanted while I gave him permission and money to remodel his part of the room. He wanted it to more reflect him and not be bright blue from Leif's last prank. I also getting him a new violon.

For Dallas, Dakota's son, I got him a new computer while I think Kota would have gotten him a new board game. He is quite the tactician of the group.

For Noah, North's son, he was a health freak. I think North would have gotten him a cookbook full of healthy ideas while I got him a new blender for his healthy smoothies. Leif trashed his last one in retaliation for having to drink one of the green smoothies.

For Samuel, Silas' son, I think his father would have gotten him a new punching bag. he goes through a lot of them actually. I however am getting him a ticket to visit Greece where his father was from.

For Leif, Luke's son, his father would have gifted him a bunch of sweets. I am about to buy those here in town because Noah had thrown away his last stash. I got him a safe to hide his candy. I think he would appreciate it.

For Vincent, Victor's son, I got him a new piano. During a fight, Leif got thrown unto his old piano, breaking it. Vincent had been very upset. From his father, I gave him a collection of his father's works. It made Vincent feel closer to him.

For Sebastian, Sean's son, I gave him a set of books about doctors that he wanted. From Sean, I gave him a kit he wanted to practice his doctoring skills. Seb was really sweet and a huge flirt too. Agatha's second child, Helga, is in love with him.

For Gale, Gabriel's son, I imagine that his father would get him a hair-styling kit. He always does Melody and I's hair. Like father like son, they both love our "chamelon" hair. I got him a paint set. He is a true artist at heart. 

For Neal, Nathan's son, I am getting him a new guitar. He enjoys playing. All of my sons play an instrument and when they play together, it is magical. I got him a new work out machine from his father. Neal goes to the gym way too much for a soon-to-be seven year old boy.

For Melody, my only daughter, I got her several different musical instruments and many books. Even if we have access to the mansion's library, Mel prefers to own her own books. I obviously comply and so that is what she is getting. Leif also broke her last violon, so she needs a new one.

I am wandering around town, having just left the music shop. I always have everything sent immediately to the mansion. It is easier that way. The only problem is that my bodyguards that Aleksandr and Alec assigned to me are the ones bringing it there. 

This means that I am a petite woman in the middle of Russia by herself, not exactly the safest situation. I can handle myself, but I would prefer not to. I was already getting leering looks from some gentlemen who I make it my duty to stay as far away as possible to stay away from.

I have already noticed that at least two men are following me. They were not the usual type of leering men I had spotted. These were serious, like mafia serious. I had known that one day getting involved with the Russian mafia and the Underground would come bite me in the butt, but I had hoped it would be later.

As the men approached me, I took off running. Thanks to a year with Luke and six years of added practice, I was quite fast. I quickly left the two in my dust. I made a turn into an empty alley which I found was a good place to rest. 

Who were those men? A rival mafia or Academy? I was still on my guard, so when I heard the familiar patter of footsteps, I jumped. 

That is why the blow that was intended to my head glanced off my shoulders. I put myself in defensive position to see my enemies. I expected to see the two men I was running from or the number of men who I had spotted earlier.

Instead, I found myself face-to-face with one of my worst enemies. I would take the men instead of this person any day.

Volto.

Here I thought he was going to leave me alone. It was clear that he had intended to knock me out first try. Well, tough luck! From past experience, I knew that Volto will most likely win this encounter. 

Discreetly, I reached into my pocket and red-lined my children. For the Academy, the red-line is a call to help. For us, it was the sign to follow my instructions that I had gave them in this situation.

I knew that none of my children would stay with Aleksandr and his mafia if I was in danger. So if I red-lined them, it meant that Volto was back.

If Volto was back, that meant that it was time to go see their fathers. As much as I hate the Academy, the moment that the Blackbourne Team meets their children. They would be safe. Melody knew to contact Raven and Alec would help them get to Charleston, South Carolina. I had peace of mind on that front.

I focused on the man in front of me, Volto. Sadly, if I wasn't so focused on him, I would have detected the other person sneaking up behind me. But I didn't, so when the person hit me in the head. I was caught unaware.

I lost my battle to the darkness. I just hope my children would be safe.

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Word Count : 1054