To my Didi who helped me when Dino and Catherine had nothing to say to each other 😁 💜

To Danni-chan who supported me through the writers block ♥

⚠ Contains abusive language and violent behavior. Sexual harassment and misogynistic themes.

Johnsen Berg sat on his high backed chair puffing airily from his pipe.

"So the girl I had kept here managed to run free. You two some how managed to pass out, and two formidable Vampire Lords barged into my place and took my precious Catherine...?" He asked with his brow raised sardonically.

The two guards shrank back, a cold shiver of fear rolling through them.

Johnsen sighed, uncrossing his legs. His hands resting on the arm rest of his chair.

"What about Esmerelda? Where was she during this time frame?" He demanded in a hard voice. The two guards squirmed their eyes widening with dread.

They begrudgingly recounted the events, notifying their master of the promiscuous actions the lady of the house got up to.

"The little bitch." Lord Johnsen hissed, baring his teeth. His fingers flexed irritably, he puffed out a long stream of thick smoke into the air.

"If I didn't need your help I'd have sacked you in a heartbeat. Don't you forget that." Johnsen threatened in a hard voice.

'I tried to frame Dino Classico to buy time to exit that day. How dare he try to get near my dear Cathy...' Johnsen thought to himself.

"I am off to the Agency to cover my tracks and get rid of that whore. I'll return with my Catherine so be prepared." He stated with a demanding tone.

Got up abruptly moving to prepare for his departure.

"If I can't have Catherine Sommers then I'll simply get rid of her!" He exclaimed determinedly grinding his jaw.

✵✵✵

Dino Classico stormed toward Lord Johannes's' office. His steps were as fast as lightening, making his cape flutter behind him intimidatingly. Swift, quick steps brought him to the room in moments which made it look like he simply portalled.

Dali arrived minutes later, staring at him with a look of annoyance.

"Glad you two could make it on time. Thank you for arriving on such short notice, despite the early hour." Johannes greeted.

Dali silently took a seat in front of their leader, folding his legs and steepling his fingers together.

He waited for Johannes to speak again but the Vlad Leader simply stared antsily at the door.

Dino stood against a wall refusing to sit still now that he wasn't at Catherine's side. He bit anxiously at his thumb, tapping his foot simultaneously.

A few minutes later the large doors folded open again, to reveal the two squabbling partners. Serina and Gerhard bickered in harsh whispers to each other, entering like a pair of chirpy birds.

"No, that's not how its done!" She stated with a frown.

"Well it's the proper way to write a report." Gerhard retorted back.

"No it's not." She comfidently countered.

"Don't argue with me! It's how I was taught!" Gerhard said, leaning in slightly to scowl at her.

She breezily swept into the room, ignoring him and dismissing his words.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, we had a bit of trouble along the way." Serina sniffed airily, tilting her jaw away from Gerherds face.

"No worries, everyone just arrived." Johannes reassured, gesturing a seat to her.

"So the whole investigating group got involved huh?" Dali commented dryly, eyeing Gerhard and Serina.

"Well yes I had you all on the same case, just solving different parts of one large crime." Johannes replied with a grin.

"What!? Why did you not inform us of this?" Gerhard asked in outrage.

"I needed everyone to remain rigidly in their posts. Furthermore, said suspect had many cronies that could lend an ear and leak out information. I'll get to the explanation soon." Their leader said waving his hand lightly.

"You see, Johnsen Berg has been under strict observation for the last six months." The Vlad Leader stated in his booming voice.

"Given that I can't do much without solid proof I had some of our agents watch him, interact and report their findings. From their I began gathering news of a large scale offense."

"Why were we not informed sooner?" Gerhard demanded crossly.

"At the time you were busy with another mission. Have you forgotten so soon?" Johannes quipped.

"You mean, you've been busy investigating this while juggling the issue with the Pendulum group?" Dali asked amazed, a proud smirk on his amused face.

The leader nodded, opening a drawer he procured a file and slapped it on the desk.

"You see, Johnsen Berg is a crafty, manipulative vampire that will do anything to get what he wants. He had bribed guards and employees to help spy and get his tasks done." Johannes began, preparing himself to relay the truth.

"Which ever department he worked in, we found traces of illegal work. Large amounts of money vanished while Johnsen was working under finances. Documents have been replicated and sold to foreign nationals. Not to mention complaints of harassment began funneling in."

The material of Dino's glove stretched and strained with how hard he clenched his fist.

"I changed his ranking once again so that I could watch him, however..." He broke off with a sigh.

Serina shifted her stance, inhaling sharply as if trying to process the entire situation.

"We recently found out that he's been abusing his name and rank by creating fake investigations to dupe women into acting in his favour." Johannes said.

"His favour?" Dali repeated to which Johannes gave him a hard glare.

"In addition to the crimes I've mentioned he's also involved in drug peddling and women trafficking." Johannes added.

"Catherine..." Dino whispered his voice laced with fear.

"The man has commited almost every crime in the book. However, thanks to all of your efforts, I have enough proof to ensure he no longer sets foot in this establishment again." The Vlad Leader said in a sturdy voice.

"Yeah, jail time and fines won't be enough to stop him. He'd only come back and do worse." Dali mused nodding un understanding.

"Who were the agents that helped you uncover all of this?" Gerhard asked with a skeptical look.

Johannes glanced at Serina, scratching his jaw nervously. She nodded encouragingly at him to continue.

"We used his weakness." Lord Johannes began, uneasiness seeping into him. Serina stepped up, nodding reassuringly at Lord Johannes.

"We had a female employee watching him in every section he was posted at. Lord Johannes entrusted three female Vlad memebers that were strong willed and capable of defending themselves to become acquainted and keep an eye on him." Serina added.

"And? Who were they?" Gerhard asked dubiously.

"God! I hope Catherine was not one of them!" Dino said heavily. He held Serina's gaze waiting for her reply.

"No she was not. The agents are Marietta Sommers, Kate Lorca and myself." Serina stated simply.

Gerhard stood astounded, paralyzed with shock.

"Wh-Who did you say was the first agent?" Dali asked, in a shaky voice.

"That doesn't matter. The point is, Catherine stood up to him and defended herself. There was a formal complaint and eye witnesses. Despite that we think what he did to her was revenge for that incident." She trailed off.

"Definitely sounds like it." Dino commented, folding his arms.

"If you don't mind my asking. What exactly happened with Berg and Lady Catherine?" Dali pried. Gerhard stared at him pointedly to desist such sensitive talk but Dali pressed on.

"Dino will want to know as well, I am sure of it." Dali drawled, turning to glance at the tall vampire. Serina let out a sigh and recounted the event.

"Well you see, he noticed her when she worked with Kate. He would trail her and corner her to make small talk..." Serina lifted her head up to look at Dino. He gave a small nod, a hard look of focus on his face.

"Each time she tried her best to politely deflect him. But one day he tried to force himself on her and she- she stuck him hard on the cheek. He chased after her and she went on to land a rather good kick up his groin and-" Johannes cleared his throat and Dali coughed awkwardly.

Dino tried to cover the faint smile on his face, pride flashing in his eyes.

"I am sorry I asked." Dali commented, lifting his hands up in surrender.

"After that we agreed to have her work as a tutor to remain safe and far from him. At the time all we were able to do was suspend him from work for a month." Serina explained, locking her hands behind her back and standing tall.

"When he returned he framed Dino to spite him despite Dino's innocence. We are waiting for Catherine to recover and provide us with her testimony, so that we can officially dispose of him for good." Johannes completed.

"I've sent Marietta to protect and comfort Catherine until then. A female guard would be best after everything she's been through. Once she's healthy enough to give us her statement we will continue. Until then-" Lord Johannes halted his words, his gazed fixed on the doorway behind them.

"-Until then I was tasked with watching him. But I formally withdraw for personal reasons." Henrique Lorca stood seeting at the threshold of the office.

His voice was shaky and brows knitted tight with rage.

"I hope you have a good explanation as to why you hid this from me Lord Johannes." He sneered angrily.

Turning on his heel he stormed off exiting the agency. Everyone in the room was silent. Some confused and some nervous and guilty.

Serina let out a tired sigh turning back to look at Lord Johannes.

"Well that went well..." She said with an awkward smile.

✵✵✵

Catherine blinked her eyes open, her vision a blurry swirl of gold, white and black with smudges of red slowly spinning into focus. She felt the jerk of inertia which hurt her head despite being still.

A punishing thumping pain split her brow in half, enticing a bout of nausea to unfurl in her chest.

Inhaling a few deep breaths she refocused on the surrounding room, noting the elaborate guest bedroom of some Lord or Lady.

'This isn't Dino's estate. I know it.'

She let out a soft sigh and pushed to sit up. The large manor seemed abandoned which only seemed to add to her vulnerable fear.

Catherine slowly searched the room, craning her neck to peep through the doorway for any sign on Dino.

"Dino...?" She called tentatively in a soft whisper. Her head dropped down in disappointment.

'He's a busy Lord. Silly of me to assume he wait around for me. If anything he's probably tired of seeing me by now...' She thought dejectedly, fiddling with her fingers in her lap.

Lifting the covers she swung her feet off the bed when a sudden pair of hands gripped her waist, stilling her.

Looking up she found the aristocrat giving her a crooked, mischievous smile.

"Careful there now. We can't lose you again." The crisp, playful voice warned.

Glancing up she found her cousin and colleague, Marietta Sommers holding her steady.

The lady flashed her a pretty smile while helping her sit up in bed. Her beautiful lips were painted an a deep shape of cranberry red.

A crisp scent of lillies wafted off her, making her extra attractive with her heady perfume. Marietta was the perfect picture of beauty.

Long wavy chestnut hair that shone glossily and curtained her face as she moved to fluff Catherine's pillow.

Her face glowed with unspoken spirit and wit, her charming smile enhancing the fine features that caught every males attention.

"How are you feeling now? I was so worried!" She exclaimed, her brow creasing with a frown that somehow made her even more prettier.

"A little better but what are you doing here? Also, where am I?" Catherine asked in a hoarse, strained voice.

A dry cough hacked her throat making her sputter and choke.

"Here, drink this. Clara made this to help you regain your strength." Marietta said, holding a glass up to her lips.

Catherine sipped at the drink, swallowing slowly.

"Dali Delico is housing us at the moment. This is his residence." Marietta answered after a few moments of silence.

"What!? Oh my God. Marietta why are you here then!?" Catherine exclaimed, a hand going to her chest in shock. Marietta chuckled at the irony of things.

"I am fine. Dali and Lord Classico are still busy at the agency. They arrived while it was still dark and are still presently sorting matters out. I was dispatched as of immediate effect to guard you." Marietta explained, placing a palm on her cousin's shoulder.

"I caused so much trouble for everyone."
Catherine whispered forlornly.

"No you haven't. If anything you helped uncover a huge crime. I am just sorry that you got involved." Marietta replied softly, her eyes straying to the ground in disappointment.

"Lord Johannes sent me to guard you until you're fully mended." She explained before Catherine could ask.

"You needn't worry yourself with such a menial task. You have more pressing matters at the agency." Catherine balked, not wanting to be fussed over.

Marietta hushed her, squeezing her shoulder lightly. Her red cape swished with the movement.

"It's an honour and this task is as important as any other. I am grateful that Lord Johanness asked me." Her chivalrous words made Catherine's heart squeeze.

"There's a lot to explain, but I am waiting for you to get better. Until then, my lips are sealed." She said decidedly, pressing her lips together for emphasis.

Catherine open her mouth to protest but her cousin lifted a brow as if challenging her to disagree. She chuckled musically, winking at Catherine.

"Lord Dino was really worried about you. You gave all of us quite the scare. But I admire your bravery." Marietta said after a few moments.

"I think Lord Classico is wonderful for you. I was just speaking with his darling little boy in the library. What a delightful young vamp." She commented.

"Theodore? Where is he!? I missed so many lessons of his!" Catherine suddenly exclaimed as if just remembering.

Marietta gave her a bemused smile, shaking her head at her cousins behavior.

"After everything that happened, that's what you're worried about?" Marietta asked placing a hand on her hip.

"Theodore shows immense promise. He's a great student." Catherine said defensively.

"Well, the agency sent in a substitute tutor and he's presently busy in the playroom with the other kids studying geography." Marietta said scratching her brow nervously.

"The doctors say that you'll need at most a month to recover. I think a substitute teacher was in order." Catherine pouted crossly, harrumphing discontentedly at her cousins words.

"I am fine." Catherine enforced.

"I disagree." Clara replied, waltzing in with a tray.

"The cheff made a soup that will help with regaining your energy back." Clara said softly, approaching Catherine with a tray.

"We need you in good form for when Lord Dino comes back from work. I can't do a shabby job and have him worry even more." She teased with a wink.

"Oh yes! I agree. He was absolutely beside himself with grief. When you came to he had such a poised smile, I've never seen him so elated." Clara added smiling at the young lady.

Catherine's cheeks turned a bright shade of red, she held her face shyly.

"Come now eat up or I'll tell Lord Classico that you're skipping meals!" Marietta teased with a soft poke to her cheek.

✵✵✵

Henrique entered his chateau in a rage. His footsteps quickened as he reached his bedroom.

Flinging the door open he found his wife Kate sitting at her dresser in a white robe.

Hearing the door bang open she was pulled out of her thoughts and looked up to find Henrique glaring at her. Kicking the door shut he prowled toward her.

"Kate." He said in a hard voice. The disappointed glint in his eye mixed with fury made her uneasy.

"What's the matter? Is everything okay?" She asked getting up to press her palm on his forehead.

"No. Everything is not okay." He gritted out in a firm, angry voice that sounded nothing like him.

She gasped stepping back from him.

"When were you planning on telling me?" His asked in a soft voice that had restrained his rage.

"Tell you what? In fact I'd like to know where you had gone to so early in the day?" She replied, frowning at him.

"Lord Johannes summoned me. I found out something really upsetting." He replied. Her mouth widened with surprise.

"Oh did they find Catherine!?" She asked worriedly.

"Kate."

"Is she hurt?" She asked.

"Kate."

"This is such a relief. We all were so worried." She rambled on.

"Kate."

"Finally we'll be able to put Berg where he belongs." She went on, clasping her hands together in relief.

"Why did you hide the fact that you were employed to keep an eye on Berg?" He asked in a cool tone.

Kate halted, her brows lifting up in surprise.

"Why wasn't I made aware that my wife was playing such a dangerous game?" He asked again, fisting his hands. He stood wide stanced, blocking her way.

She remained silent, her mouth opening and closing several times.

"You had a chance that day I saved you from Johnsen Berg." He stated with a frown.

"Henrique this was something that was decided on while you were busy with the Pendulum case." She explained.

"Do you even realise what could have happened?" He continued, ignoring her words and walking forward until he backed her up against a gardrobe.

"What were you thinking?" He asked, face contorting into anguish and disbelief.

"It was work. It was for the agency. I never would let anything happen to myself or compromise the Lorca clan name." She said defiantly.

"DAMNIT KATE! DID YOU NOT SEE WHAT HAPPENED TO CATHERINE!?" He yelled, finally snapping.

He slammed his palm on the mirror of the gardrobe, rattling the entire structure.

She jumped at the sudden rise in his tone. Her eyes locked with his, and she found pain and sadness in his usually sparkly eyes.

"I don't care how busy I am. My marriage and my work are both of equal importance." He whispered, cupping her face.

"I know our marriage isn't the fairytale kind, but you are so important to me. I take us seriously. You have to communicate more Katie." He said in a soft voice that was drained of energy.

"I take us seriously too. I am doing this for us." She stated.

"I don't doubt your capability