Half is missing

New York City, July 2012:

"REX ESSA! by the Moon Goddess in the heavens! It's so nice to see you, dammit!

In the quiet hallway of the posh hotel where Blade and Rex were staying, Kal Hunt's voice boomed behind them. They were making their way to the grand ballroom, where the celebration of Kal's birthday would soon start.

The older man, wearing a classic black and white tuxedo, caught up to them and embraced Rex, slapping his back. It felt good to be back in full swing as head of the distillery after a long absence from Rex. He was looking forward to seeing his business contacts again this evening.

"You look good, boy!" Kal took Rex by the shoulders, released him, and assessed him. I can't believe you never looked so strong! Charlene will cherish it!"

What is Charlene?

Rex considered Blade's inquiry, but he knew better not to respond immediately.

Rex spoke quickly, "Kal, let me introduce you to my mate." He moved to the side, grabbed Blade by the hand, and he ignored Kal's slight frown as he pulled Blade forward.

In a black cocktail dress, his partner looked gorgeous. While a loose high-low tulle skirt concealed the knives strapped to her toned thighs, the lace bodice met the thick diamond choker necklace that covered Rex's Mark on her slim neck. Unnoticed, Blade's black stiletto pumps had a silver heel; however, she had the original black heels replaced by sturdy stiletto blades by a shoemaker. She could remove the specially designed black heel caps at any time to access the blade tips. The deep red of the velvet rose on the long, sharp needle that was carefully inserted into her hair's elaborate twist matched her lipstick.

"I should be the main Alpha that needn't bother with a fucking guardian when he goes out with his Luna," Rex had kidded prior that night. " You are a sexy weapon on the move."

"That is the way to go." She had said it with a laugh.

Rex squeezed her hand right now.

"Blade, this is my friend Kal. Blade, this is Alpha Kal Hunt of the Shadowlands Pack, my friend and business mentor in New York City. After Uncle Dylan retired, Kal took me under his wing and left me to figure out how to run the distillery and everything else on my own, but Kal—Persephone? Is this truly you?” Kal spoke softly. His wide, light blue eyes had become pale as he stared at Blade as though she were a hellish vision.

Rex gave Blade a cursory glance, but she appeared as guarded as her feelings indicated she was. She was getting ready.

Are you two acquainted?

Blade greeted Kaleva by saying, It's good to see you once more. It has been a while.

“Persephone?” In between the two, Rex looked.

Before further lowering his voice, Kal surveyed the hallway. You were said to be dead to me! What the hell are you doing here, Persephone? Or Diana, are you free tonight?” As if he had just remembered that Rex was there, Kal gave him a quick glance.

Blade shook his head. She said, taking Rex's arm, "I am here as my partner's Plus-one." Blade is also fine because I no longer work.

Kal yelled urgently, whispering, "We need to talk immediately." He turned around and began to leave. Let's head to my workplace.

Blade, what the hell is going on?! How do you know Kal, then?

They followed Kal down a long corridor until they reached a set of dinged-open black elevator doors. As soon as the doors closed and he pressed the top button, Kal placed his face close to a retinal scan.

As an agent for my grandfather, I have previously collaborated with Kaleva. Blade let go of Rex's arm so she could run her fingers along the thick cloth-covered elevator panel.

Wait, did you spy on Kal or for Kal?

Both. She smiled as she gave him a glance.

When Kal faced them when the elevator started to move, she was looking along the walls and in the elevator's upper corners.

Kal laughed. " Persephone, I swear that you will not be recorded or poisoned while you are with me. She apologized, "Please accept my apologies, Kaleva," and said, "You are under my protection while you are in one of my hotels." I never intended to upset you. It's hard to break some habits.

Kal gave a nod, but he grinned. Does this imply that Hades remains alive?

Blade smiled at Kal, but she didn't see it. My only wish is that my father is still alive. She stated, "Unfortunately, I was the sole survivor of the fire that killed my entire family."

You have no faith in Kal.

I only have faith in you. My family might still be alive if I'd known that earlier.

Rex was accustomed to the spacious, modern reception area as the elevator doors dinged once more. Kal took them to a conference room with only a small table for business meetings and a smaller table with drinks and a coffee maker. Bewildered, Rex looked around. He was always taken to Kal's office.

Take it not personally. He is wary of me. He absolutely should not have faith in me after what I did years ago.

"I don't suppose you've heard anything about my family's hit?" Blade inquired.

With a sigh, Kal asked them to sit down. I've inquired, but I have no idea who did it. Nobody seems to be aware of anything. I do know that everyone in our community was shocked by it. That is not how Hades should have died. Some saw him as a foe, but most saw him as a hero. He poured himself a drink at the small table. Is there anything I can offer you to drink?

Rex replied, "Bourbon neat." He didn't see why he should act differently with the person he had always considered a friend; however, he did find it troubling that Kal and his mate did not appear to trust one another.

Kal chuckled. Naturally, I only have the finest whiskey available. He supplied Rex with water. He crossed his arms and placed two empty tumblers and stemmed glasses in front of Blade. Go on. Use the lighter as you please. It was always done by your dad. It was made into a game by the spoiled son.

He caught Blade's attention for a moment before he shrugged. She quickly passed the flame under the tumbler as she inspected it after taking a silver lighter out of her black clutch and popping it open. She returned the glass and put the lighter away.

"Also a neat of bourbon."