The Curse of Immortality

Chapter 22

Gangster 1994:
Ekin Cheng - Lung Gor ‘Hung Hing’
Jordan Chan - Chan Wai aka 'Fingers'
Ada Choi - Delilah aka Dee
Vivian Leung - Joey Lam
Gordan Lam – Chun Gor ‘Fu Ting Gang’

The following morning, Ahron woke up early to mail the advanced cash that Lung Gor gave him. His sister needed the cash and his mother could use it for medication. He walked out to the living room of the mansion that Lung Gor shared with his boys. But not all, only the ones he counted on. Ahron stopped when he felt something thick under his feet. Looking down, he found a bundle of thousand dollar bills. He looked around to see if anyone had dropped it. Feeling the tingle in his hand as he reached for it, but at the last minute he retrieved his hand back. It was wrong to pick up someone else’s money, he thought to himself.

But no one was there to catch him, it was too early no one was up. The pile was way more than what he was going to send up to his family. Temptation was calling to him and he felt the need to answer as Ahron began to reach his arm down. This time he accomplished in picking it up, it felt heavy in his hands. Smiling, he placed it in his pocket and walked out the door.

Heading to the nearest mailbox, he dropped the envelope into the bin. Feeling lighter now that his family would have some cash in their hands, he walked along the streets to find a coffee shop for breakfast. Suddenly, his eyes narrowed downwards and his ears arched back, he was being followed. Ahron remained cool as he quickened his steps and whipped around a corner into an alley. The steps behind him began to sprint and he quickly stepped out to confront his follower.

Joey gasped, he startled her “Jesus! You almost made me pee in my pants!”

Ahron sighed with relief, he didn’t want to fight anyone that early in the morning “Why are you following me?”

She straightened up with her chin in the air “You don’t own this street.”

He laughed with a nodding head “Okay, princess. You want to follow me? I’m going to look for a hooker.” He dared her with a grin.

Joey wasn’t at all fazed by his comment “Really? Okay, let me take you to the best brothel in town. I know the owner.” She winked and quickly grabbed his hand before he can protest, “Let’s go, there’s this girl that’s so damn hot…I think her name is Angie. Gorgeous breasts and her butt…wow!”

His stomach grew queasy after hearing a description from her mouth “Hey…I was just kidding.” He pulled her back.

“That’s what I thought.” She crossed her arms with authority “What are you doing so early in the morning sneaking out?”

“Mailing some things to my family.” Ahron imitated her crossed arms “Since when did I have to check in with you, princess?”

“Since we lost a chunk of cash this morning. Do you know anything about it?” she asked, testing him.

Ahron smiled slowly “Oh that…I mailed it up to my family.” He turned and began walking the streets. The morning air was cool and he liked how it numbed his face.

“You what??!” Joey exclaimed as she tailed him “It doesn’t belong to you, how could you just take it? When Fingers told me this morning, I cursed him for framing you but now, I think I owe him an apology.”

“What?” he stopped abruptly “Fingers saw me?”

Joey nodded vigorously “Ah Hung, if you needed money, just tell me. You shouldn’t steal, its bad.” She sounded like a sister giving her brother a lesson in stealing.

Ahron rolled his eyes after a sigh escaped his lips, reaching a hand into his pocket he pulled out the wad of cash “Are you talking about this?”

She took it in her hands “How…but you…said…” her words drifted away after she realized he was only playing with her “I’m sorry.” She said regretfully.

“It’s okay. I’m used to being framed.” He shrugged it off “Come on, you can treat me to breakfast.”

Joey smiled “Okay.” They walked to the nearest coffee/donut shop. They were seated outside the shop where tiny wooden tables sat ready to be used “Did you have a good sleep?” Joey asked.

Ahron debated whether or not he should tell her the truth “Yes.”

“Yes you did or yes you didn’t?” she pressed with a teasing grin that made him laugh, “I take it that’s not a good thing. Too foreign?” she asked after pouring cream into her coffee and four packs of sugar.

He wasn’t too interested in the talk about how well he slept “You kill the coffee if you drink it like that.”

Joey’s usual smile was replaced with a grim expression “You drink it black too?”

Ahron’s grin faded “He drank black coffee didn’t he?”

“Who?” She turned away and concentrated on mixing her coffee and it’s contents.

“You know who.” He said. They could run around the bush all day, he didn’t mind. But she needed to move on.

Joey’s eyes turned upward to meet his “Gor told you huh?” he nodded confirming her answer “Yeah…he did. It’s like, the harder I try to forget, the more little things he use to do remind me of him.”

“That’s in the past. Don’t you ever hear the saying, don’t look back?” he asked earnestly “Things in the past are meant to be forgotten. Your future is all you have.”

She nodded, her eyes dazed as if in a trance “I know. But I can’t seem to forget him.”

“That’s understandable. He left a huge scar in your heart. There are others that care about you.” He pointed out.

Joey snickered “My brother doesn’t count.”

“How about me?” he asked in a flirting tone.

She tilted her head upward “You?”

He nodded “I care about you.” Ahron smiled “Since that minute I met you, I realized just how special you really are. Not because you’re a gangster and a female but you were different. I could feel it in the core of my bones.”

Joey smiled slowly as her head bobbed up and down “Corny…but it’s nice to hear.”

Ahron laughed comfortably “If you like, I can do it everyday.” Joey looked down at her hands shyly “Oh my gosh, did I make the all powerful and mighty Joey blush?” he pointed at her flaming cheeks. She hit his hand away “Feisty!” he growled.

She turned away with an apparent smile she couldn’t wipe away “You’ve got problems.”

“Yeah, that’s what my sister always said to me. Except she really means it.” At the sound of his family, he grew worried “I wonder how they are.”

Joey looked sincere as she patted his hand “I’m sure they will be okay, they’re good people. Good people are always taken care of. If you need money, let me know.”

He laughed, “Yes, because you’re running a secret brothel.”

“No, I’m serious. It may not be much because I splurge on clothes and shit like shoes. But I do have extra cash…I don’t want you to ever think of stealing money.” She was careful not to offend him.

“I won’t.” he insisted “Lung Gor was right, you act like a mother sometimes.” He chuckled when she scowled at him.

Later that day, they returned to a solemn house. Joey and Ahron exchanged glances “It’s like a morgue in here.” Joey commented. She bounced her way over to her brother who was seated at the center of the living room couch. The boys dressed in black as they lined up carefully behind him. Dee was sitting on Lung Gor’s other side, who shook her head at Joey “What happened?” she asked more cautiously. Her brother had a temper of a lion.

Lung Gor turned his head over to her, his eyes angry and ready to kill “This does not concern you.” He stood up while Joey moved closer to Dee.

“What’s going on?” she whispered, “He’s talking like a civilized person.”

Dee hushed the girl “Fingers caught Ah Hung stealing money.”

Joey let out an exasperated sigh “IS that all?!” she exclaimed and stood up to explain to her brother.

“Did you or did you not take the money?” he asked Ahron coolly.

“Yes.” Ahron replied honestly. He saw it coming but did nothing to dodge it, but what he didn’t expect was the fist that stopped millimeters from his jaw.

“Why didn’t you dodge?” Lung Gor asked.

He smiled in response “I did take the money, I’m not denying it. Gangs are like families, they have rules. If you do something wrong, you have to be punished regardless.”

“Noble.” Lung Gor retrieved his hand with a smile. He turned to Joey, who looked relieved and scared at the same time “I fuckin love this guy!!”

“Ahem!” Dee cleared her throat loud enough to cause the boys to laugh.

Fingers’s smug smile had long ago faded “Lung Gor…how could you let him off the hook? He fuckin stole a hundred grand!”

“Uh uh, he did take it. But he gave it back.” Joey pulled the wad of cash out of her purse “It should go back to the rightful owner.” She smiled proudly while handing it over to her brother.

He bounced it on the palm of his hands as a thought occurred to him “This money was lost and now found. I am all about rewarding people.” He smiled while pulling out a thick layer. Lung Gor did the unthinkable as he handed the cash to a shock looking Ahron.

“But…I can’t…” he shook his head.

“It’s not stealing if I give it to you.” Lung Gor laughed. He tossed the remaining to Fingers “Looks like you owe someone an apology.”

He knew he was stumped “Sorry, Ah Hung.” Fingers bowed with respect.

Ahron was well aware the guy was out to get him “No problem, it was an honest mistake.”

“I’m glad that’s over with!” Dee sighed “I was sweating bullets over here.”

“Is that what that smell was?” Joey asked while waving a hand in front of her face “I thought it was a dead rat.”

“You bitch!” Dee growled but was laughing.

Lung Gor stepped closer to Ahron as he placed a hand firmly on his shoulders “You deserve this. Thank you for being honest.”

“It’s what I should do.” Ahron smiled.

He turned to his boys “Come on!” he commanded as they followed him out.

Joey’s face dropped “Where are they going?”

Dee sighed “Unfinished business with Fu Ting.”

“He’ll be okay.” Joey comforted her future sister in law.

“He better be.” Dee said silently.

Chapter 23

After the raid of the Fu Ting bars, Lung Gor led his boys back for a victory dinner. He was on top of the world, with a gang bigger than any other ones, a girlfriend that he loved and a sister that he adored. Everything was in place. He drank a little too much and was completely out by the time desert came around. Dee supported him half of the time but he was too heavy for her slender arms “Let me help.” Ahron offered as he took Lung Gor’s arm and helped him up.

“Maybe we should take him back?” Dee offered.

Joey nodded in agreement “Yeah, he’s gone. You two go, I’ll be here.”

Ahron and Dee helped Lung Gor back to the house. After he was tucked in, the two were ready to leave when Dee saw something that caught her eye “What’s that?” she pointed to another wad of cash on the carpet. Bending on her knees, she picked it up and Ahron walked behind her to take a look “There’s another one.” She pointed to the wad only a foot away. She crawled over to pick it up as Ahron followed the trail with her.

“This is strange.” He said with a thoughtful expression. Dee couldn’t carry all the cash as a few dropped from her hands “Let me help.” He said while giving her a hand. She turned to face him and gave him the wads in her arms. Ahron looked over her shoulder as he leaned closer “Is that a bracelet?” he pointed.

Dee turned and quickly saw the sparkling diamonds “Yeah…it’s Joey’s.”

“It doesn’t look like we were robbed.” Ahron said slowly “What do you think happened?”

“I don’t know.” Dee took a step forward and quickly toppled forward into Ahron. His quick reflexes caught her before she could trip again “Shit…my heel broke.” She pointed to her shoes “Wait a minute, I’ll go get another pair.”

Ahron stopped her “No, it’s okay. Just stay here with Lung Gor, I’ll go back and get Joey. You can take care of this stuff.” He walked towards the door “Be careful.” He said before leaving.

**********

Joey glanced at her watch ever minute since Ahron left “What’s taking so long?”

Fingers chucked down the last of his beer with a smirk on his face “Probably fucking Dee while he can.”

“Shut up!” Joey snapped.

He laughed “What? You think he’s Mr. Innocent? You saw the way he looked at Dee. Shit, Joey…if you had the chance to fuck her, you would too. She’s fine.”

“I’ll be sure to let Gor know.” She threatened.

Fingers was amused by it “Sure. He already knows. But he also knows I would never do anything to hurt him in any way. She’s just a woman after all. A woman that no one can have, much like yourself.”

“Fuck you, Fingers.” She replied dryly.

“I’d love to, doll, but I hate homos.” He laughed when her face grew red with fury.

“Then fuck yourself.” She narrowed her eyes dangerously at him “I don’t know what my brother sees in you.”

Fingers shrugged, not at all fazed by her insults “I’m not sure either. Damn, you save someone’s life and they owe you a favor forever.”

Joey finally understood the bond between her brother and Fingers. Why didn’t he ever tell her that Fingers saved him, she wondered to herself. She grew restless as she got up and decided to leave “I’m done. Take care of the tab.” She pointed warily to Fingers.

“Careful…princess.” He had a smirk on his face. She didn’t know why he used the nickname Ahron used for her but it gave her chills up her spine.

“Don’t call me that.” She said without looking back.

Fingers smiled as he placed his leg on the table. The tab was already paid for, all he had to do was wait for Ahron. Minutes after Joey left, Ahron returned to an almost empty restaurant “Where’s Joey?” he asked.

“I’m not the boss of her.” Fingers replied shortly.

He was emotionless “I’ll go look for her.”

“Wait.” Fingers stopped him as he snapped his fingers at some of the boys, who then blocked Ahron’s way “We need to talk.”

Ahron sighed “About what?”

“Ooh, what’s with the attitude?” Fingers asked playfully. He dropped his legs and got up “Kissing Lung Gor’s ass, but you can’t do the same for me? Oh…yeah…I forgot…you want Dee.”

Ahron was not interested in what he had to say “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He turned to the boys that were blocking his way “Excuse me.” He said darkly.

Fingers threw his head back with a laugh “You don’t control them, I do.” He mocked. He nodded to his boys “Leave us.”

The group nodded unanimously as they trailed out of the restaurant. The waiters and managers too left them to be alone. Before the doors closed, one of his boys rushed in completely out of breath as he handed Fingers an envelope. He waved them away with a nonchalant hand. Ahron couldn’t say he wasn’t curious “What do you want?”

“Ahh, the nicer tone. That’s what I was waiting for.” Fingers sat down on one of the hundreds of empty chairs “Have a seat.” He kicked a chair towards Ahron who stopped it with ease.

He didn’t have to touch it as it stopped before his hands, he moved around it and sat down “I’m seated.”

Fingers smiled “Okay. Business. I have a proposition for you.”

“No.” Ahron replied quickly “Whatever it is, I’m not interested.”

“I guessed you would say that.” Fingers opened the envelope and threw him the pictures “I have the negatives so you can keep these for your enjoyment.”

Ahron frowned with each passing pictures in his hand. They were of him and Dee at the house, except what they were doing innocently was turned into exotic poses. With the right angles, it looked like they were doing the nasty “What’s your point?” he tossed the pictures back, refusing to be blackmailed.

“Oh nothing…just that when Lung Gor sees this…hmm, what do you think he’ll say?” Fingers ask with a growing laugh “His most prized possession and the new trustworthy geek that he has practically chosen for a brother in law…wow, I don’t think it’s forgivable, do you?”

“What do you want?” his question more angered.

Fingers shrugged “Nothing really. It’s simple. I can burn the originals to the pictures. Lung Gor would never see these pictures. I need a favor.”

“I don’t want to ask, but what?”

“Joey.” Fingers didn’t need to explain.

Ahron shook his head “No way. In your dreams.”

“You don’t even know what I want.” Fingers laughed.

“I can see it in your perverted smile. I won’t betray her.” Ahron was firm.

Fingers tilted his head “Look, I’m not asking for much, you don’t have to betray her. She trust you, just bring her to Quake bar and pretend like you went to the bathroom.”

“No.” Ahron replied coolly.

“Not even for one million dollars? US dollars.” Fingers pressed. He had a weak spot “Your family could use the money. Not to mention, your sister could be cured from cancer. It’s amazing what the westerns can do with science. They could live the lives that you dream of. Come on, Ah Hung. That was the reason why you came down here in the first place, to find more money to send up to them. Anyways, even if I got Joey into bed, she would not let me have it.” He dropped his legs from the table and leaned in closer to Ahron “Think about it…one million dollars just to get her to the bar, no strings attached.” He crossed his heart “I promise.”

Ahron was debating, Fingers could see it in his eyes, he was buying it. The offer was too tempting, but he was curious “How did you come up with a million dollars?”

“Would you believe my dead father was rich? He left me the chunk of his inheritance. Don’t believe me?” he yanked out the legal documents and showed it to Ahron “I have over ten million, one million is like pocket change to me.”

“Why Joey?” Ahron was falling for the temptation after seeing the papers.

Fingers folded the paper into his pocket “I’ve been in love with her since I met her. She was really nice to me at first but after that bastard screwed her over, she began to despise men and hate them with a vengeance. I just want to be on her good side again. I won’t force her to do anything. I’m not dumb, she’ll run straight to Lung Gor and I’ll be kicked out faster than a bullet. I just need a chance.”

“Why me?”

“Because she trusts you. I can’t remember the last man that she has allowed to be by her side for longer than a day. You’re one lucky dick.” He snickered “So what do you say? Interested?”

Ahron reasoned with himself. Joey was able to take care of herself, she wouldn’t allow Fingers to come near her without a dagger pointed at him. He wouldn’t have the guts to do anything stupid, Lung Gor would turn him into a eunuch. A million dollars to get Joey to a bar, he could save her easily if Fingers did try to take her away. It was sneaky but the money would be put into good use. He wouldn’t have to return to China “Just take her to a bar?” he asked carefully.

“Yes. That’s all. I’ll even pay you in advance.” Fingers took the chance before it passed him by. He had a folded check ready to be written out. The thin piece of paper was worth a million dollars, Ahron shook his head “What?”

“This paper is worth five cents but together with your signature, it’s worth a million dollars. It blows my mind.” He laughed.

Fingers snickered “Just don’t back out on me.” Getting up, he was ready to hit the sack “Tomorrow night, nine p.m. at Quake.”

Ahron nodded “I always keep a promise. Especially when I’ve been paid.”

“Good thinking.” He laughed humorously “I won’t walk you to the door.”

He was too busy examining the check and looking at the zeros made him dizzy. The amount was more than he could ever make in his lifetime, for a second he thought about saving a chunk of it but in the end, he knew greed would only take over his life if he allowed it.

***********

“I am distraught that he took the money.” Azariah shook her head in disbelief.

“The sneaky fellow has more ideas than just money.” Cyrus said wisely.

The God of Sun turned to him strangely “Whatever do you mean?”

Jeroham smiled as he responded “You have had the chance to know Ahron, when is it that he has ever fallen for a trap without an escape route?”

“You mean, he is not taking her to that…what do they call it?” Azariah asked Cyrus.

“Bar. I believe that is what the mortals call it.” He turned to Jeroham for confirmation.

“Yes.” The God of Life answered, “Ahron is a man of his words.”

She looked distressed “Will she be harmed?”

“That, my dear, is a secret of the future.” Jeroham replied.

“Which is translated to: keep watching.” Cyrus cracked.

Azariah turned to the crystal ball “I know Barak has something to do with this.”

“It is a given.” Cyrus nodded “Let’s just hope that Ahron figures it out before it’s too late.”

Chapter 24

The night came when Ahron had to do his part of the deal, bring Joey to Quake. He shook off any queasy feelings he had in the pit of his stomach when he approached her room. Knowing that she wanted to go out that night, he had claimed to be the one to take her out. Lung Gor was fine with it “Ready?” he asked when she opened the door before he had a chance to knock.

She nodded with a wide grin “Someone’s in a rush. Practice some new moves did you?”

Ahron shook his head “Not really.”

Joey linked her arm through his “We’ll see about that. Come on, let’s get there before the freaks come.”

The bar was unusually crowded but Joey didn’t seem bothered by it. Ahron on the other hand was growing more nervous. He looked around and found Finger’s in one corner of the room, he gave him a tip off sign. Ahron’s cue to disappear “Hey Joey, I’m feeling woozy. I have to go to the bathroom.”

“I told you not to eat those fish balls from that old man with the cart. I made that mistake last week.” She teased playfully.

He laughed nervously as he practically sprinted to the bathroom. The minute he was out of eye reach, Fingers nodded to his boys as they got up and surrounded Joey unexpectedly. She was facing the bar when Fingers came to her left side and leaned against the bar “Hey there, princess.”

She rolled her eyes annoyingly “You…what do you want? Did my brother send you?”

“No, I sent myself. Let’s take a ride.” He urged as he took her arm roughly.

Joey whipped her arm in a circular motion, breaking free “No.” she said firmly.

The other guys quickly hovered her into a corner. She looked at them strangely, they were not from Hung Hing, she recognized them. But before she could reject, Fingers covered her mouth with a white cloth filled with anesthesia medicine “I don’t take no for an answer.” He said darkly as he pushed her into one of the guys “Take her to the car.”

They reacted quickly and left the bar scene within five minutes. Ahron was in the restroom counting down the minutes. He was going to give them ten minutes but something told him it wasn’t right. By the time he walked out, the crowd had died down and Joey was nowhere in sight. Panic taking over, he ran outside to see if there were any signs of her or Fingers. But to his dismay, the only glimpse he caught was the exhaust pipe of the BMW.

Joey woke up with a pounding headache, the medicine made her arms shaky and her head spin. Her eyes were blurry when she tried to concentrate. She couldn’t tell who was standing in front of her and another person was sitting behind a desk. They looked to be in an office “You’re awake.” The dangerous voice commented.

“Chung Gor?” she asked feebly, her eyes still unclear “Where’s Fingers?”

“I’m still here, princess.” He cooed.

Joey realized he was the other person next to the desk “What do you want?” she asked, trying to stay calm but knew what was going on. She was betrayed.

“There’s a lot of things that I want. Money, women, power…and my favorite suffering.” Chung Gor described with such passion that it gave her chills.

“You have that.” Joey said coldly “What do you want with me?”

He laughed while getting off the seat and over to her “I think you know…”

“Fuck you!” she growled with disgust and stood up to leave. But she was not leaving according to Fingers as he blocked her way “Get out of my way.” She gritted her teeth angrily.

His face inches from hers as he stepped even closer causing her to inch back “How does it feel? To be betrayed by the only guy you trust?” Joey titled her eyes in confusion “I’m not talking about me. I know you’ve always hated me. All your suspicions are true, congratulations, you solved the mystery.”

“Ah Hung?” she asked in disbelief “I don’t believe it.”

“Well believe it. I paid him one million to take you to the bar tonight. He didn’t even hesitate to say okay. Good to know money can still buy people.” Fingers laughed humorously.

Chung Gor was growing bored “That’s enough. Leave us.” He waved Fingers out the door.

“Save me some.” Fingers said hungrily as he smiled seductively at Joey.

“You wouldn’t dare. My brother will kill you.” Joey warned after Finger’s left her alone with the enemy.

“It’s a hell of a way to die.” His eyes dark and inhuman. He stepped closer to her, she backed away “Don’t be scared. It’ll be over soon.”

**********

Ahron barged into Lung Gor’s home to find him talking in low voices with Dee “Where is he?”

“Who?” Dee asked, she never saw Ahron so angry before. Up to that point, he was fairly peaceful and calm.

“Fingers. He’s got Joey.” Ahron replied shortly “How do I find him?”

Lung Gor could feel his anger raging “What do you mean?”

Ahron had no other choice but to tell him the truth. After he was done, Lung Gor looked ready to kill someone. Dee didn’t dare to calm him as she sat there dumbfounded and worried for Joey “I’m sorry. I will fix this.”

“How?! God knows where he fuckin took her!” Lung Gor burst out as he paced the floors impatiently “I’ll kill him myself…I swear.” He muttered like a madman.

Suddenly, the door opened “Lung Gor!” one of his boys came in without introduction “Fingers, he took Joey away…I overheard at Quake that they were going to see Chung Gor.”

“Chung Gor?” Ahron felt the blood draining from his face, Barak was involved.

“Do you know where they went?” Lung Gor demanded.

“Some kind of office building downtown. I’m not positive.” He was unsure.

“Get the guys and tell him to search all the buildings they could find downtown. Call me as soon as you hear anything.” Lung Gor instructed. The guy nodded hastily as he rushed away “You’ve done enough damage for one day. Stay here.” He pointed at Ahron threateningly.

“No, I’ll find her.” Ahron said with confidence. He left before Lung Gor could argue. He ran down the streets feeling overwhelmed with worries. What if it’s too late? What if Barak got to her? He was after the Power of Nine, Ahron was well aware “Azariah, please…help me.” He silently prayed. Closing his eyes, he wanted to calm his nerves. That was when he heard her voice calling for help, it was like he was in the room with them. Ahron’s eyes popped open as he turned towards the building on his left, she was in there he could feel it. Without checking for cars, he raced across the street and barged into the third floor like he owned the place.

The two guys that stood guard were caught off guard as Ahron waved a powerful hand and they were thrown back unconscious. He marched towards the direction he felt Godly aura. He found Finger’s head pinned to the office door, he was laughing. Obviously enjoying the show inside “You will pay for this!” Ahron’s voice echoed throughout the hallway.

Fingers turned, the smile wiped away and replaced with a shock expression “What are you doing here?.”

“Get out.” Ahron marched slowly towards him. He pulled out a gun and pointed it at Ahron “I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”

The shot fired and hit Ahron on the chest. Fingers lowered the gun with a victory grin “I did, so what are you going to do about it?”

The God of Rain raised his hand over the bullet wound and used a pulling motion to yank out the bullet with his powers. He looked up slowly at Finger’s horrified expression “This.” He said while waving a hand at Fingers, he levitated him and pushed him against the wall, cracking it with the impact. Without using the knob, he knocked the door down with a snap of a finger. The first person he saw was Joey’s face smeared with tears as she was pinned to the wall. Still putting up a good fight, she refused to be taken advantage of.

Chung Gor turned to him slowly, his eyes shining red fire “Nuisance!”

Ahron stepped inside the office “Let her go.”

“I can’t do that.” The body was taken over by Barak. It was he that was talking “Come Ahron, we can join together to capture the essence of the Power of Nine. Actually, it should be the Power of Ten, she is the key.”

Joey was fearful of the crazy talk and why did Chung Gor call him Ahron? Questions flew by her mind, wondering what looney bin he came from “There is no such thing.” Ahron replied, no longer in fear that a mortal could hear their conversation. He wasn’t going to let him hurt Joey.

“Tsk, tsk, tsk…ignorant little God of Rain. The Power of Ten combines the last power of Serefina, don’t you know that by now? Once we consummate the female, we can overpower the male and be the most powerful being in the entire Heavens.” Barak was crazier than Ahron imagined.

He only knew of one way to lure Barak away from Joey “No more being controlled?”

“No. Never again. We rule everything and every mortal for that matter.” Barak smiled when he assumed that Ahron was on his side.

“Okay. I can’t wait to destroy Serefina once and for all. The stupidity of the Law of Love, we are Gods, we should be able to do anything.” Ahron nodded firmly, he raised a slow hand “Bring her here.” He ordered.

Barak’s smirk grew as he pushed Joey into Ahron’s arms “Good choice.”

Joey looked like a frightened rabbit in Ahron’s strong grasp “Who are you, what are you two talking about?” fresh tears escaped her round eyes.

“This won’t hurt.” Ahron cooed while his hand traced the contour of her face gently. He leaned down and covered her lips with his mouth. Tasting the tears with each kiss, he moved his lips carefully over her cheek and onto her neck. At the same time, he whispered “Get out now…”

She didn’t comprehend until he pulled away and gave her a gentle push. His eyes told her everything. Joey didn’t wait for him to repeat it as she spun on her heals and sprinted out the door while Ahron turned to Barak. His eyes widened with anger but he was caught off guard, Ahron whipped a hand out as he pushed Barak into the wall. There was no time to destroy the God of War, Ahron was well aware. Instead he ran after Joey to make sure she was okay.

They were down on the safety of the ground when Lung Gor had finally pin point where she was. Motorcycles and fixed up sports cars filled the streets as they stopped traffic. Lung Gor parked his bike and rushed over to Joey, the siblings embraced tightly “Gor!”

“Joey…” he was relieved to see her in one piece “Did he hurt you?”

“No.” she shook her head carefully and turned to Ahron “Ah Hung came in time.”

Although Lung Gor was angry at Ahron for betraying Joey, he knew if it wasn’t for him she would not be standing there “Thanks, man.” Ahron shook his head with a grim smile “Let’s go home.” He nodded down at Joey.

She smiled weakly “I’d like that.”

Lung Gor turned to his boys and let out an ear piercing whistle. They returned to their cars and left the scene. Joey dodged Ahron’s gaze as she followed her brother to the bike “Joey.” Ahron stopped her.

She turned away slowly “We’ll talk later.”

Ahron watched as they drove off. He turned up to the building, Barak was still there. He won’t give up until he gets Joey or her soul. His secret was blown and only Joey knew of the truth, how could he possibly explain this to her? Would she believe him? What would become of his future, if he didn’t pass the test he would be condemned to eternal mortality.

Days had passed and still Joey was refusing to see him. She was in shock and disbelief. What she saw was beyond imagination and what she heard was still ringing in her ears. It haunted her for nights until she cried herself to sleep. Lung Gor did not see this part and no one dared to bother her.

It was the third day from the incident when Ahron was having a cup of coffee in the large home. Lung Gor looked groggy as he entered the kitchen “You’re early.”

“Yeah.” Ahron replied, “How is she?”

“The same.” He sighed, “The good news is Chung was arrested and put in jail. Fingers was put into an insane asylum.” Ahron raised a surprised brow “When the cops came, they said he was muttering crazy crap like Gods and Demons. I had no idea he was crazy.”

“Must have been all the crack he smoked.” Ahron covered.

Lung Gor nodded in agreement “Maybe. I told him to quit but he was an addicted mother fucker. Damn, I wanted to beat his ass myself. I guess he has what he deserves.” Before he left the kitchen he turned to Ahron “Go see Joey. I think you’re the only person that can talk to her.”

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