Chapter Three
Coach Namir
Dr. Marvin T. Holmes stands in the center of the courthouse steps that lead to one of the most powerful buildings in the Metropolitan City of the Underground.
The network of mythics, corporations, and just the basic need to survive in the Underground for all resided here, a train stop away from Cedar Park.
The white church with the red doors, where everything started was blocked off and heavily guarded, but I heard the rumors of the aftermath.
You weren’t even allowed a few feet from the sidewalk to even take a picture of the destroyed historic building.
The doors were covered and taped off with spells laid so thick, you could almost see it wavering in the air.
I pulled my Braves cap down, attempting to keep my face hidden underneath its shade as I towered over most of the frenzied media looking to get the money shot.
Dr. Holmes was standing before everyone with his head raised, shoulders squared in a gray suit that looked fresh from the cleaners.
The whites in his eyes looked to be fading, nearly invisible until he blinked.
Even now in chains, he still looked like any second now, he would break free and go on a murdering spree.
Looking around, I tried to count how many of us could hold him off just in case something was to go off.
I knew I could hold my own given what I am but there were far too many women…
Not enough exits and working doors. I shook my head, breaking free of the thought as an officer walked up with a red box that was chained and locked with silver buckles latched over it.
“Did they have to bring my dear Aunt into this?”
I didn’t bother turning around to know Bellamy Holmes was standing right behind me, blending into the crowd. He wasn’t as anonymous as he’d like to think he is even if few people recognized him as the grandson of the biggest criminal in the Underground.
“Is that who’s in the box?” I questioned.
“Yep.”
I could hear the cigarette lighter flicker as my nose tweaked at the smell.
It was no ordinary cigarette just from the smoke, I could tell it was to dull the senses of those around us.
Bellamy exhaled as a thick puff of white clouds blew past my face before muttering to himself.
I suspect that’s how he’s been able to move freely amongst the rest when he does decide to step out.
“Let the shit show begin.”
The media began to scramble as cameras flashed and flickered. Reporters from all over the Underground including the social media journalists were front and center demanding to know what happened the day of the funeral. The day of the white church.
“Is Marvin Holmes going to be arrested?!”
“Where is the rest of the First Family?!”
“What is going to happen to Drew Collins University?!”
The chief of police stepped up to the podium and simply nodded as everyone continued to yell out at once.
“When are we going to get answers!?”
“I want to know what happened!”
“Is it true the First Family and the Kinfolk fought?!”
My brows jumped at the old school name before looking around. I haven’t heard the pack being called that since…I was a pup. You had to be in the know or around family to hear that term. Nowadays, we are just known as the Pack.
“Could this mean civil war against the wolves again?! Is history repeating itself?!”
“I want to know if we as the general public have anything to worry about?!”
“What does this mean for us?!”
“The Underground Bureau of Investigations, and the Mythical Justice Department have brought in Dr. Marvin T. Holmes for questioning!”
Everyone fell silent as the uniformed man stood behind the podium to speak.
Another thing of smoke blew out past the right side of my face just as I felt a presence on my left side.
I turned to see my brother Seth and now alpha leader of the pack despite only being a half breed.
His dark curly hair was pulled back into a bun and his bright golden eyes flickered with a hint of malice.
There was always a scent of violence and darkness when it came to him.
It's the reason why he, and Bellamy get along so well. I couldn’t stand them both. Not together nor separately.
“What up baby brother?” Seth sighed as he looked around. “Another shit show in the Underground?”
“How could you tell?” Bellamy asked sarcastically as he stepped up to stand beside me, keeping me in the middle.
“Dr. Holmes, you are believed to be responsible for crimes against humanity both above and below. You are believed to be responsible for exposing our world to those above, endangering what we have built in order to protect ourselves.”
“What he has built,” Bellamy replied with a scathing tone.
“Your sister Wilhelmina Holmes and her…failed experiments and attempts at creating mythic beings through science,” holding up the red box.
“These are the last of her remains that will stay in the safety of this box so that we don’t find ourselves fighting against the true death.
Wilhelmina Holmes created a virus that has not only failed with only a few being infected, we have officers on Ground to collect and watch over those who show signs of magic by injection.
Also in this box are the remains of a young woman named Celeste who was the first successful vampire by transmission–––”
I could see Seth’s face twitch with irritation at the mention of the ones who participated in Wilhelmina’s shit.
“It was not properly tested nor was it regulated above ground the way that it is here in the Underground…”
I listened to the names of those at the church that day before they began listing the names of the wolves that died including my father.
A part of me still felt for him, even after everything.
I still missed my brother but one look at Seth and I could see no regrets in his eyes.
He’d do it again, and again if given the chance.
When he looked at me, it was the first time I saw the challenge in his eyes, daring me to say anything that would go against his own feelings, so I looked forward instead.
“The incident and details of that afternoon will remain private as this is an ongoing case. Dr. Holmes has agreed to cooperate without representation–––”
“What?” Bellamy let out, confused. “This must be on purpose.” I looked at him with his Blade shades on, covering his red eyes but he couldn’t hide the black nails, and eerie demeanor.
He caught a few people staring at him, wondering who he could be and why he was obnoxiously smoking in a crowded space.
“My name is Dr. Marvin T. Holmes…”
Everything became quiet as I looked up to see they had him at the podium to speak. The flashing of cameras and number of phones going live to record were insane. I know this is being televised everywhere.
“I am one of the founders of The Underground, a place where people like me, like you, could live in peace without fear of our skin color being targeted. Without fear of being hunted down for labs and experiments, and without fear of being alone. This community has grown into something far beyond what I’ve imagined, and I am proud of what it has become.
I am the founder of Drew Collins University, my home, my true heart where education is the key to our people, our growth, and progression as a society. ”
He stared out at everyone with his mouth open as if he was getting ready to say something but hesitated. Just for that one moment before his upper lip twitched against his nose as his fangs were revealed.
“I am the only one responsible for the death of my sister. I am responsible for exposing the Underground. I am–––”
The crowd began to shift as people started shoving and pushing, trying to shout out accusations and questions until I heard the one name I didn’t want to hear.
“What about Maggie Grey?! Your granddaughter!”
“It’s rumored she’s the most powerful one of them all in the family and she’s right here at the school! She’s openly going to Drew Collins!”
“Is it true Maggie Grey broke the barrier that protects the Underground?!”
“Is that why the church is closed off permanently?!”
“Why are there witches gathering at the church at ni––”
“Please!” The uniformed man shouted with his hand in the air. “Everyone please settle! That is all the time we have for questions!”
“Is it true that Gaia doesn’t really exist!?” Someone shouted as the entire block grew quiet waiting for the answer. Dr. Holmes grimaced at the question, but I could see the smirk slowly form from the corner of his mouth.
“Is it true Gaia–––”
“No more questions!” An officer shouted as they attempted to take Dr. Holmes inside. “No more!”
“Is it true Gaia never really existed!? The files that were leaked suggest you all don’t come from some God! There’s no such thing as a moon God! Is it true!?”
“IS MAGGIE GREY THE REINCARNATION OF GAIA?!” Another shouted. Dr. Holmes grinned with his fangs peeking between his cracked lips.
“She…is not Gaia because Gaia is not real.”
The immediate flashes of the cameras and phones went off as he was taken away. Seth, Bellamy and I exchanged the same expression.
…
I stared at Maggie as she began packing her things in our living room. We had clothes everywhere and while she ran around with nothing but a t-shirt and one sock. Her hair was held in a satin bonnet, she stood with her hands on her hips as she looked at the mess she made.
I knew I was going to marry her because I just found myself wondering how in the fuck am I going to protect her without killing someone my damn self.
Walking around having no idea just being what she is, who she is with little to no memory of what she can do…
will be a problem. I guess if you only had a year to figure out you belonged to a murderous family, you too might try and protect your sanity by refusing to accept reality as actuality.