Under the Full Moon (Crimson Romance) by Bobbi Romans Page A

weeks ago when I woke up with more clarity than I ever had before. I can’t explain why the memories returned … only they did.”
    Damien decided not elaborate how Octavia’s death may have played a factor in the smoke clearing. Not yet at least.
    “Go on. What does any of this have to do with us?”
    “The facility or club, as they call the place, appeared to be in chaos. I witnessed men running up and down the halls, and the professor … ”
    “Who?” Moss asked, growing a bit pale in Damien’s opinion.
    “I don’t think he’s a real professor, but that’s what he told us to call him during his lectures.”
    Kid was quick, Damien thought with a smile. One mere eyebrow had the kid pausing to explain the “us” in his statement.
    “The others like me who are, uh, different, would not be allowed back among society. That the swamp would forever be our home and we should get accustomed to the idea for easier transitioning.”
    “Different how?” Damien asked already knowing how Trick would answer but hoping that in his explanation, more details would come out.
    “All of us are part swamp animal. Natural swamp animal. You guys are too, aren’t you?”
    “Yes, but continue, please. These others you keep mentioning … men, women, children?” Damien’s gut dropped at the mere suggestion children would have been abused in any way.
    “Just a few others I actually met, but I overheard the professor talking once about a girl stolen from them. Dude seemed pretty intent on getting her back, too. Said the B.E.A.R would pay for their interference but to use all means necessary against them to get her back.”
    “Any clues on who the girl or the
bear
these nuts were speaking about are?” Moss asked, leaning forward with sudden interest.
    “Yeah. Apparently these are people who help keep the balance in the town.”
    “Balance?” Damien wasn’t sure he was following the kid right.
    “Our makers thrive on chaos. The guys I saw running around were babbling about some major shift in leadership. Whatever went down had everyone in a panic. I overheard shouts to get the conference room set up, and with her downfall and son’s succession, heads would roll.”
    “Octavia’s death and Demetrius’s rise to power,” Damien muttered while Moss nodded in agreement.
    “Octavia. Name rings a bell, but only one I can remember with vivid hatred is the asshat Demetrius. He always spouted how I owed him for stealing him away from his psychotic slut of a mother.” Trick grew quiet and a dark angry aura swept across his face.
    “Octavia stole men for one thing, and one thing only. Let’s just say, that maybe it was best, you ended up with the son instead of the mother.” Damien stated almost relieved for the kid though he had a feeling being with Demetrius had been no walk in the park either.
    “Don’t honestly know. Can’t remember even being with Octavia, but it was no picnic being with Demetrius. Dude shoveled out the shit every day. He may be some huge power in the group he’s in, but if you ask me, dude’s dumber than a box of rocks.”
    “Get back to what you were explaining about the chaos and balance theory.” Moss reached out and Damien handed his inquisitive friend the bottle.
    “Well, from what little I overheard, one group, our group — ”
    “Our group, my ass. May have changed what I am, but those fuckers didn’t change who I am,” Damien growled, though he understood Trick meant no offense.
    “Well, the asshats who fucked with us,” Trick looked at him for approval and Damien nodded, “feed on chaos like one would a freaking T-bone steak. It gives them power or some shit. The other group, the ones that stole the girl, counter fights them. For every storm or tragedy they create, this other group steps in and tries to resolve the situation.”
    “Resolve? Like how?” Damien asked, wondering if this second bunch wasn’t just another hungry power-tripping group who didn’t like a little