Free Scarlet Dawn by Megan J. Parker Page A

authorities of all be any exception?
    “Axle? Why are you here again so early?” A timid feminine voice called out and Serena looked up to see an equally timid sang woman with long black hair and bright green eyes step out; the numerous eyes of many, many children peering out from behind her.
    “Sierra,” Axle smiled, starting towards her, “This is Serena.”
    “I know who it is,” Sierra frowned, “The question is why you brought her here? Her knowing of us could get us all into trouble with The Council!”
    Serena frowned as she wondered what the orphanage had to do with Axle’s stealing until it finally clicked.
    “I already know that he’s been stealing to help you and the kids?” Serena nodded, stepping forward.
    “Yeah! He’s our Robin Hood!” Fang grinned.
    Serena smiled, “He is, Fang,” she looked at Sierra and offered a reassuring nod, “And I’d like to help him. I’d like to help all of you.” She looked around, noticing several different types of mythos, and smiled. The Vail Clan would definitely be livelier, and it was exactly that liveliness that Serena looked forward to. Seeing Sierra’s aura shift but still retain its skeptic rigity, she went on, “I’m not to say anything about your personal Robin Hood or this place.” Serena smiled. “I believe that what you are doing is right,” she shrugged and smirked, “and I don’t report things that are right to The Council. They’re politicians; they only care about that sort of stuff when it makes them look good.” She winked.
    “You… are you serious?” Axle’s eyes widened.
    “Yeah, what of it?” She glared back, “Even the big, bad law-girl Serena can have a change of heart, can’t she?”
    He laughed and nodded, “I suppose so, and if you can then you must not be that bad.” He smirked and motioned to Fang, “Though it looks like you’ve taken my hero spot in Fang’s eyes.”
    She smiled, noticing even Sierra’s aura and posture relaxing ; her defensive frown quickly growing into an excited smile.
    “You’re welcome here anytime. However, it’s the kids’ bedtime, so maybe you could stop by earlier next time? We could all sit down and read a story together.”
    Fang bounced in Serena’s arms still and looked up at her, hope filling his eyes as he waited for her response.
    “It’s a date,” she laughed and set Fang back down and turned to Sierra. “It was very nice to meet you, and thank you for doing all of this.”
    Sierra smiled and nodded before turning and waving to the kids who all ran forward and surrounded Serena in a tight group hug.
    Serena cried out as the group slammed into her, forcing her to use all her strength to remain standing as she laughed and tried to calm the frenzy with head rubs and high-fives.
    “Ahh! Crazy little beasts, all of you! Go on! Get to sleep!” She laughed as Sierra went about trying to herd them away.
    She watched as they slowly began to pull themselves off of her and rushed to the stairs. Fang still stood a moment longer and she smiled, stepping over and giving him one last hug. “Sleep well, Fang. I’ll see you again soon,” Serena smiled warmly.
    Squealing out an excited-yet-indecipherable response, the little vampire turned and followed after the others.
    “Who would’ve thought that you would actually have a soft spot for children?” Axle laughed.
    “You want a soft spot in your fucking skull?” Serena quipped, still unable to take her eyes from the heartwarming scene of Sierra guiding the kids to their room.
    “Uh oh,” Axle cackled, “the bitch is back!”
    “Oh, I’m sorry. Did me showing a moment of kindness tarnish my image to you?” She laughed. “Let’s go. I need to get back to the city.”
    “Right,” he smiled and, though Sierra and the kids were far beyond earshot, called out his farewells as he waved before leading Serena out and hopping into the car. “Come on, princess!”
    Serena laughed and jumped in as well. “Princess, huh? I