KazAlkemi

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Caden&Nero's House – Chicago, IL
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Cassiopeia slowed in her task while Nero worked. She was really trying to give Nero the benefit of the doubt. Their lack of knowledge on their past really frustrated Cassi. She supposed it was frustrating for Nero as well from the sound of their tone.

Cassiopeia walked over to the ladder and climbed up until she could tend to the higher up plants. She glanced down at Nero, noting how small they looked, and not just because Cassi was higher.

"How annoying it must be to be a pawn in someone else's game. And yet you have several demons doing your bidding for you. Remind me how that makes you different from the others?"

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Caden

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Location: Caden&Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
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"Perhaps. If I was a lawyer, though, I could easily get a case thrown because of the poor quality in camera work. Most video quality is in high definition or four k res," Caden noted.

Nero's words about donating to Nic's hospital bounced around in his head. Maybe Caden would get in touch with the director of the hospital and mention how he owned a security company...

"Well that's maddening," Avery commented.

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Avery Zain

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Location: Caden&Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Avery walked away from the screen, assuming Caden was going to have the videos playing on a loop while they all trained. He walked over and grabbed the jump rope for Nic and handed it to him.

"How about we do some bag work today, Nic? Or did you have something else you wanted to work on?"

Caden was immersed with the video, but Avery gently guided his alpha and friend over to the treadmill. It was still in line with the TV so Caden could multitask.

Avery looked over when Kimiko entered and smiled. "Nic has a monster in the hospital," he said and pointed to the treadmill next to Caden. "You can warm-up and watch."

"Nero and Cass are working on intel for Nero's problem and Nic's other problem. Which is good news for you, Kiki. I think they figured out why they fell off your mother's list of blessings," Caden said, glancing at her before looking back at the TV.

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Caden&Nero's House – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Cassiopeia could understand not trusting Crowley. He was just like any other demon and would do as he pleased if it furthered his goals. However, Caden was properly in love with Nero, and Nero had saved not only Cassi but others without asking for anything in return.

"Okay, say I believe you," Cassiopeia said, starting to prune some of the plants. "How fucked do you think we are?"

Caden had filled her in more on Mundus and who they were. Cass didn't know much about Nero's past, but from what Caden felt comfortable telling her, it was obvious Nero was something special to them. If Mundus was coming after Nero, Cass had no idea what fate had in store for her and her family.

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Caden

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Location: Caden&Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Caden took the thumb drive from Nic and nodded. "Yes. I bought a security firm a while back and have been slowly improving upon it."

He walked over to one of the TVs in the training room and plugged in Nic's flash drive as Avery walked in and greeted them both. Caden pulled up the file in a program and played the thing over.

"Your security cameras aren't up-to-date," Caden noted while they watched.

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Avery Zain

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Location: Caden&Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Avery stood next to Nic and looked over the video. He cocked his head to the side when the patient disappeared. Caden slowed the video down and the three of them watched the patient burst into mist.

"Shit. You weren't joking," Avery said and moved closer to the screen.

Caden put the video on a loop so they could watch it over and over again.

"And you said this happened twice with two different teams? No personal overlap?" Caden asked Nic.

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Caden&Nero's House – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Cassiopeia kept her focus on the plants, knowing if she broke her concentration she would lash out. However, she did have a few housecleaning questions for Nero.

”I have a few questions first, and then we can play nice for Caden's sake. First question, did you know you were being hunted? Because if you knew and thought latching yourself onto Caden would save you from bringing Hell to our doorstep, I will summon Crowley without you and gladly give you back to who or whatever is looking for you.”

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Caden

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Location: Caden&Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Caden listened carefully to Nic's problem. It was a rather interesting case, and some parts of it sounded familiar, but others not so much.

”Did you bring the video with you?” Caden asked as they walked into the gym.

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Avery Zain

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Location: Caden&Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Avery’s eyes widened at Kimiko's statement, and then he was grinning. ”My little fox… I wish very much to simply keep you in this room and see all the different ways I can make you come but I cannot. You take as long as you wish, as long as you promise to think of me,” Avery said with a wink before he opened the door and left Kimiko to get ready to train.

He walked slowly down to the gym, having to calm himself and clear his mind of Kimiko and her statement.

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Caden&Nero's House – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Cassiopeia smiled and released Nic to watch him walk away with Caden. She sighed, feeling an odd sense of emptiness before she turned to look at Nero.

Cassi rolled her eyes at the fake smile before she followed them down the hallway. She didn’t go up the stairs with Nero but continued down until she reached the greenhouse. She sighed, feeling relaxed as soon as she opened the door. Who knew the first time she was in here with the demon would have been the start of a lifelong journey with them. Why did Caden have to pick Nero as their mate?

Cassi tossed her bag and cardigan onto the couch and started tending to the plants. The repetitive actions soothed her mind and comforted her soul.

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Caden

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Location: Caden&Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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”What’s going on?” Caden asked Nic curiously as they walked down to the gym. As he went, he texted Avery that they were ready to go.

Caden wasn’t worried about leaving Cassi and Nero alone together. Even if the two of them fought, they would at least get it out of their system and move on.

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Avery Zain

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Location: Caden&Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Avery’s eyes shifted to refocus on the object that blocked his view. He grinned at Kimiko, wrapped an arm around her, and quickly rolled her over so he hovered over top of her.

”Your heart,” he said simply. ”Your innocence, your virtue.” He traced a finger from her throat, down the centre of her body, to the top of her shorts.

He tracked his finger, a small smirk sitting comfortably on his lips while his mind tumbled with thoughts of Kimiko naked and trembling underneath him until she begged him to stop.

His phone buzzed, pulling Avery from his decadent thoughts. He sat back on Kimiko’s legs and took out his phone.

”Ah, they’re ready to train. Are you gonna come?” Avery asked, getting off Kimiko and the bed.

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Caden&Nero's House – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Nic becomes a steadying presence for Cassi. Not only is she giving him comfort, but she is also receiving it from him. The idea that Caden is in danger bothers Cassiopeia. She understands Caden can more than look after himself, but she is protective of him. Just as they all were when Kimiko was taken.

”You can't summon here anyways. The protection spells wouldn't allow for it. I assume you want me to go over those as well?”

”If you wouldn't mind. I reinforced the shields last night but the land could use your touch again,” Caden said.

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Avery Zain

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Location: Caden&Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Avery closed the bedroom door triumphantly and returned to the bed. He smiled happily when Kimiko finished her second sandwich.

”I think it's good she's here… I think she's really trying,” Avery mused. He laid back on Kimiko's bed and stared up at the ceiling.

”Also, if Nero is being hunted, having her with us would be better than having her against us.”

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Caden

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Location: Caden&Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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”We'll find a place to summon Crowley after training. Nic, are you ready?”

He noted how close Cassi and Nic were, he could understand the comfort the human was probably receiving from Cass, and was fine with leaving if Nic needed a few more minutes.

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Caden&Nero's House – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Cassi slid her hand from Nic's hip to his lower back to hold him more securely. She looked back at Nero when they mentioned Crowley and she frowned.

”Why do you need to talk to Crowley?”

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Avery Zain

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Location: Caden&Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Avery wiggled and rubbed his nose after Kimiko flicked it. He smiled innocently, stood, and walked towards the door.

”I could steal more than the smoothie, but fine. If you want to be thrown in with the rest of the wolves, by all means,” he said and opened the door.

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Caden

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Location: Caden&Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Caden let go of Nero and rubbed his chin, mulling over this new development. He looked down at Nero and nodded in agreement before he looked at Cassi.

”Nero is being watched,” he said simply.

Cassi opened her mouth to speak and Caden held up his hand. ”Don't go there, Cassi. We are in a good place right now, I don't need to hear any childish I told you so’s.”

Cassi frowned and dropped her arm, deflated, and sipped her tea.

”Fine. When are you going to contact Crowley?”

”After training. You and Nero could gather the supplies they need,” Caden suggested.

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Caden&Nero's House – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Cassi rested a hand on Nic's hip, her other hand still holding her tea. She closed her eyes when Nic leaned against her, swallowed, and licked her lips nervously.

”He might have, but he told me specifically he said life. As in he'll die ten years sooner than he is supposed to.”

She opened her eyes, trying to get a look at him but it was hard from this angle.

”Cassi?”

Caden's voice broke the tension and Cassi turned her head to look at her best friend and the imp trying to hide themselves. Cassi frowned at them before she relaxed her features.

”Don't bother hiding, Nero. We need to talk.”

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Avery Zain

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Location: Caden&Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Avery finished up his second sandwich and stole a sip of Kimiko's smoothie before answering.

”Do we have to? It's much safer in here.”

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Caden

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Location: Caden&Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Caden observed how Nic held Cassi and how she held him. They were clearly having a moment but it didn't seem like an intimate one. Caden looked down at Nero who seemed to be trying to climb inside him when Cassi declared she needed to talk to them.

”Do I get to know what about or is this one of those times I just need to trust you being alone with my mate?”

Cassiopeia rolled her eyes and glanced at Nic. ”Do you want me to tell him or do you while training?”

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Caden&Nero's House – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Cassiopeia tried not to look guilty as she leaned into Nic. ”I talked to your dad last night about the terms of his deal. The demon promised to save your mom from cancer if Ren gave up ten years of his life. Technically speaking, your mom didn't die from cancer which means the deal is still valid.”

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Avery Zain

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Location: Caden&Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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”Uh, no,” Avery said and finished out another breakfast sandwich for himself. ”But Caden met with her yesterday and they hung out all day, so I'm sure it's fine.”

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Caden

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Location: Caden&Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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”I enjoy training with Nic. It's a good chance for me to get to know him better while seeing if Cass is doing well and being treated right,” Caden explained, and draped an arm over Nero's shoulders.

They walked down the stairs, and into the main portion of the house. Caden cocked his head to the side, both confused and delighted.

”Cassi?”

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Caden&Nero's House – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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”We don't know how much time your dad has left. I don't want you to be robbed of any time you could have with him. Besides, I'm going to have to learn to play nice with Nero if I expect to have any time with Caden.”

It would be multiple birds with one stone. Besides that, Caden also expressed interest in Cassi unlocking more memories, plus help with the mate bond. Then there were the answers Cassi wanted for her own peace of mind about her family.

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Avery Zain

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Location: Caden&Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Avery smirked when he saw Kimiko just waking up. He shut the door behind him and walked to her bed. He sat on the edge of it and opened the bag of food.

”A couple of hours ago. Already had my work out and now Nic is here with Cass,” he said and stuffed his face with a breakfast sandwich. ”I brought you food, and something to drink. I wasn't sure what you would want, so I got tea, coffee, and a smoothie. Plus enough breakfast sandwiches to feed a small family.”

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Caden

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Location: Caden&Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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”Well I can't start shirtless. That wouldn't be much of a show,” Caden joked and followed their imp. ”You can make me late tomorrow. Or any day Nic doesn't come for training.”

Chicago After Hours

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Cassiopeia Claire Alistair

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Location: Caden&Nero's House – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Cassiopeia got out of the car and stared at Caden's house. The last time she was here, she caused a storm. Thankfully, it was already a rainy day. Cass sipped her tea, thinking she'd have to go check on the trees at some point to try and heal them.

Nic pulled her from her distant thoughts and smiled at him. ”Not today. I need to talk to Nero.”

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Avery Zain

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Location: Caden&Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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Avery paused in front of Caden's door and turned slowly to look at Cass. He held a bag of breakfast sandwiches in one hand and a tray of drinks in the other for him and Kimiko.

”I'm sorry, did you just say you need to talk to Nero? Ya, no.”

Cassiopeia looked at Avery and rested her left arm over her chest, her hand resting on her right elbow. ”Why the hell not?”

”Uh, maybe because the last time you spoke to them you tried to kill them?” Avery turned and opened up the front door.

Cassi dropped her arm and rolled her eyes before she tugged her brown cardigan around her, and stomped up the steps.

”Ya, well, I don't need to talk to them about that. It's about Nic's dad and breaking demon deals.” She marched inside and waited for the others.

Avery walked in behind her, sighed, and looked at Nic.

”I need to go give Kimiko her breakfast. Make sure she doesn't break anything,” Avery said. He looked at Cass, and she stuck her tongue out at him in annoyance. Avery smirked but he wasn't exactly happy as he walked to Kimiko's room.

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Caden

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Location: Caden&Nero’s House – Chicago, IL
Skills:

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”He makes me run more if I'm late… and no. I think he would make me do more of everything if you talked to him.” Caden pulled some clothes out of the dresser and slipped into joggers and a sleeveless shirt for now. The muscle shirt was in the compression style, so it hugged all of Caden's muscles and didn't leave much for the imagination.