Forbidden

The Tech Guy

Luca

"Dude, you've got a seriously big set of cajones. Why did you bring her here?"

"Would you have dropped her off with that shiner? To him?"

Luca stretched his neck to watch Van. She sat on Tommy's saggy brown sofa holding an ice pack to her face. She looked so tiny and fragile swallowed by the old cushions and swaddled in a hoodie he kept in his car. Both eyes were closed, and he was thankful he couldn't see the red and blackened skin. His rage was pushing just below the surface, and he one more look at the damage to her perfect face might set him off.

His face and hands hadn't fared much better, but between his rapid healing and Tommy's magic touch, he might be back to normal before he made it home. But Van didn't have that advantage. He forced a growl back down his throat as the memory of her lunging into the fight rose up. The distraction almost cost him his life- Bane wasn't an opponent to let an opportunity like that pass him by. The bigger problem now was if Bane would read into that moment and find an even bigger weakness to exploit.

"No," Tommy said, rummaging in his fridge for a beer. He popped the top and took a long swig, his eyes following Luca's. "But I don't know why you're trying to get smart now. You got no business with the Supreme's daughter."

"Are you gonna tell him?"

"Hell, naw. I'm just the Slayer's tech guy. They don't ask me questions, and I make sure I don't give them a reason to. Being friendly with you is bad enough."

Luca arched an eyebrow and let his lips twist into a lopsided grin. "Awe, come on now. Friendly? We're bros."

"Only because you're kick ass on Wolves of War. Sides, you know I don't hold with a lot of their outdated views. Your people haven't given us any problems in over a century."

They grew silent for a few moments. Both lost deep in their thoughts. It was a risk being here. Even when he came alone, there were those in both of their respective organizations who would frown on fraternizing. Tommy set the beer down and crossed his arms.

"You gonna tell me what actually happened?"

"You know good and well if I tell you, then you'll be obligated to report the incident."

"Not gonna report this one am I?"

"No, but I don't want to make you lie anymore than you have to," Luca said, looking at his phone for the time and wincing. "You think we're good to leave?"

Tommy didn't reply immediately. He turned to the counter, pushing dishes with pieces of stale food stuck to the surface out of the way. When he found a small, metal container he nodded and popped the lid open. A few seconds later, he'd filled it with ointment and handed it to Luca.

"If she can get to her room without an inquisition, she'll be golden. By tomorrow, a bit of concealer will hide the worst. She should still put this on it for a few days. This stuff is awesome, but it'll take a few days to heal all the way through. If she quits, she'll feel it for a week even if she can't see it."

"Will do. Thanks man. Really."

"Anytime. Also, um make sure you don't get any of it on you. The stuff I used for you is different- engineered specifically for shifters. Let's just say that kind won't sit well with you."

Luca walked across the kitchen, his boots alternating between sticking to the linoleum and crunching mystery items. The living room smelled like flowers and day old pizza, an unappetizing smell that made his sensitive nose wrinkle. He touched Van's shoulder and shook her gently. "Van, we need to go."