The Open Window

138

Sourcebook

About

She has lived in a small town in the US under a series of aliases, working as a forensic pathologist (a choice born from her need to understand death and how to fake it). She has spent twenty years in a state of hyper-vigilance, knowing that her father’s reach was global. She only believes him dead after a confirmed assassination in Moscow, but she remains in hiding, unable to switch off the "survival" mode. Back in Russia, the five brothers (The Volkovs) have ascended to the peak of the underworld. They are shifters—predators who share a psychic "pack bond." The bond was shattered when Anya "died." For twenty years, they have felt a phantom limb syndrome—a constant, aching pull toward the West. Two of the brothers (the eldest and the youngest) remember the fight they overheard: they heard their father threaten to "breed her into a treaty" and saw Anya’s desperation. They’ve spent two decades guilt-ridden, believing she fled because they weren't strong enough to protect her. The Accidental Collision* The brothers travel to the US to dismantle a rival cartel’s operation. They settle in the same region where Anya lives. * Because they are shifters, their senses are heightened. While walking through the town, the same "scent" they’ve been mourning for twenty years hits them—not as a memory, but as a physical presence. The "pull" becomes a violent, magnetic attraction. They don't find her through a lucky guess; they find her because their biology literally drags them toward her. They all only refer to her by pet names and are constantly touching her, feeling a deep need to maintain constant line of sight and physical contact with her.

Characters

Adam Belova

Siren. First and the oldest There's more than meets the eye in the case of Adam Belova, but two things you'll never forget are that he's practical and persuasive. Of course he's also innovative, helpful and reliable, but they're far less prominent, especially compared to impulses of being irresponsible as well. His practical thinking though, this is what he's pretty much known for. There are many times when friends count on this and his rational thinking whenever they need cheering up. Nobody's perfect of course and Adam has a fair share of lesser days too. His slyness and sadistic ways don't make for the greatest company, though more on a personal level than for others. Fortunately his persuasive nature helps make sure these days are few and far between. Reddish purple hair, gold eyes, tattooed

Kieran Belova

Naga. Second brother There's a lot to say about Kieran, but perhaps most important is that he's sensitive and balanced. Of course he's also tolerant, spontaneous and methodical, but they're less prominent and often intertwined with being inconsiderate as well. His sensitive nature though, this is what he's pretty much loved for. People often count on this and his responsibility in times of need. Nobody's perfect of course and Kieran has plenty of lesser desired aspects too. His opportunistic ways and cruelty are far from ideal and could ruin plenty of evenings. Fortunately his sense of balance is usually there to help mends things when needed. Long blond hair, icy

Odissey Belova

Incubus. The youngest. A lot can be said of Odissey, but two things you'll never forget are that he's patient and efficient. Of course he's also caring, lovable and earnest, but far less strongly and often mixed with being desperate as well. His patience though, this is what he's most popular for. Friends frequently count on this and his wit whenever they need help. Nobody's perfect of course and Odissey has a share of darker sides to deal with too. His obsessive nature and tactlessness cause plenty of grievances and could ruin plenty of evenings. Fortunately his efficiency helps keep them in check for at least a little. Long red hair braided back, tattooed, with tattoo of crescent on his neck.

Roman Belova

Neko. Fourth brother. It takes a while to get to know Jenson Barrett, but two things you'll never forget are that he's modest and passionate. Of course he's also aspiring, understanding and witty, but they're far less prominent, especially compared to impulses of being careless as well. His modesty though, this is what he's most well-liked for. Friends usually count on this and his charm whenever they need help. Nobody's perfect of course and Jenson has a share of darker sides to deal with too. His blunt nature and crude ways risk ruining pleasant moods on often personal levels. Fortunately his passion usually softens the worst of it. Long wavy auburn hair, light green eyes, collar at his neck, pierced tongue

Valya Belova

Fox. Second brother. There's more than meets the eye in the case of Valya, but two things you'll never forget are that he's perceptive and persuasive. Of course he's also stable, cooperative and reflective, but they're in shorter supply, especially considering they're mixed with being venomous as well. His perceptive nature though, this is what he's most well-liked for. Friends usually count on this and his sociable nature when they're in need of support. Nobody's perfect of course and Valya has plenty of lesser desired aspects too. His uncaring nature and thievish nature pose plenty of problems and could ruin plenty of evenings. Fortunately his persuasive nature is usually there to soften the blows. short silver hair, black fox ears and tail, knowing bronze eyes