Swallowed By The Moon

[StormWolf]

Swallowed By the Moon

queue music:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFro05ieV5c

Leon's Motorcycle: http://haulinhogs.com/db1/00079/haulinhogs.com/_uimages/pic4.jpg

Winter of 2009,

In a quiet mountain pass on the border of Nevada and Utah, the sun was setting behind the jagged peaks, the fangs of the earth. The only sound was that of the wind passing through the branches of the evergreens and across the faces of stones, a solemn whispering in the mountain pass. Dark clouds suffocated the mountains, masking the night is a gray-blue hue. Suddenly, noise broke the calm. Rolling thunder that sounded like a pack of hellhounds growling. The rumble grew louder and louder, bouncing off of the mountain walls. The freshly falling snow trickled down, as if trying to calm the rumble, but it had no such effect. The rumble became a roar as a blinding light came around the bend of the road. First one, then many. Dozens of engines of motorcycle and automobile alike ripped apart the serenity of the Winter's night. This biker gang had a man at the front. His long black hair flowing behind him as he rode, his powerful arms guiding his motorcycle down the dark road. His eyes glowing a feral yellow, making the night seem like day as he lead his Pack from the front. The cold had no effect on him, seeing as how he simply wore jeans, boots, and a well-worn leather vest. Those who followed him were like family, one of them actually was family, and she rode right beside him. This Leader of the Pack was Leon Wulfschild, a Lycanthrope Alpha of the Clan Bravado. His Pack was one of several hundreds around the world, working independently yet under the hand of their Clan.

Leon's Pack had a goal, they always were goal oriented like their Alpha. Find their own Promised Land; that was what they rode across the States for. Some place to call home. If they had to kill for that home, they would do so, and Leon would do so with a smile. He looked to his right, seeing his Mate on her own chopper, her brown hair flowing behind her gracefully. He felt his heart race slightly at the sight of her, she always had the effect on him. His gaze drifted behind him, to the rest of his Pack, making sure all were still following before pressing on through the night.

The Pack rode for several hours on end into the late night, hinging on a new day. Leon took a right turn at a fork in the road which eventually lead to their destination for the night. The building was a wooden structure about three stories tall. Smoke billowed from the chimneys and a red neon sign read "Timberwolves Road House". Pulling his chopper up to an open lot, Leon switched off the ignition and pushed the kickstand down with his foot. Dropping his keys in his pocket, Leon headed inside the warm structure, the Pack not far behind. The Timberwolf was half-quiet. Music from the jukebox and the three dozen patrons all trying to talk over each other. Leon had learned how to ignore noise to avoid going mad with his incredible senses.

Walking up the the woman tending the bar, Leon smiled, his eyes losing their feral wolfen color and becoming an icy blue so he could blend in with the humans in the tavern.

"Good evenin', Grace." Leon said, a small hint of a German accent on his deep voice. Grace, an elderly looking woman, smiled at the familiar face. She quirked an eyebrow and stroked her chin,

"Leon, my boy! Good t' see ya, laddie! Th' beard be a new development since I saw ye last." Leon chuckled and smiled warmly at Grace. He nodded, scratching his beard.

"The wife likes it." he said calmly, then chuckled at Grace's expression. "Yes, Grace. I have a mate now. You old wolf mother." They both laughed together. Grace was a Lycanthrope as well. She helped Leon and the survivors of his Pack get to the states during World War II, so she naturally acted like Leon's mother. The bell over the door rang as the rest of the Pack entered behind Leon's lovely mate, Acacia. His heart rate rose again as she walked into the Timberwolf, a small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. Leon's Pack had a few pups with them, though none of them were his, he helped watch over them. That was the only reason that the Pack had a couple closed topped cars in it; for the little ones. Leon watched all the little ones climb up onto chairs and stools. They were familiar with the Timberwolf and Grace, she was the spoil-you-rotten grandma to every pup she came across. Leon reckoned that it was because she lost all of her own kids in a multitude of wars. Before she went to go give milk and cookies to the pups, Grace handed Leon a slip of paper.

"I know what ye are doing, Leon. It's really noble and sweet o' ye'.... but...." she sighed, here gray eyes sad, "The Clan comes before anything else. If I could, I would give this to someone else, but he asked specifically for you." She handed Leon the paper and patted the scarred side of his face. She looked from Acacia to Leon,

"Just don't ye be gettin' all raged up over this little thing an' do somethin' stupid." She looked back to Acacia with a smile before whispering in Leon's ear. What she said made him blush despite his frown. Grace patted his bare, muscular shoulder and went to feed the pups her homemade chocolate chip cookies. Leon opened the note that Grace had given him and read. Just reading the words upon the paper made his teeth grow predatory and caused his nails to become claws for a moment.

"Why us? Why now?" He muttered as he went to the payphone to contact the Clan Elder.

After a heated conversation, Leon slammed the phone and sat at an empty table, not minding the stares he got. "The wrinkly old bastard always comes to me when he wants bloody help." he sighed, feeling defeated. How was he going to tell the Pack? They had been moving from place to place for years now, and when the promise of a home is so close, they get called away to fight in the Clan war. Grace was right, no matter how much he wished she wasn't. He was going to have to tell them soon. Tomorrow. The pups would have to stay here with Grace and the other Lycans. They were friends with Leon's Pack as long as Leon was friends with Grace. They would keep the pups safe while that went to go fight. He fought back the urge to howl out and cry. More than anything, he wanted to have a place where he and Acacia could have pups of their own in safety.

Grace brought a stein full to the brim with a dark beer to Leon's table. Smiling meekly. "Everything'll work out, laddie."

___________________________________

The Elder Console of the Clan Sanguine looked over the city lights in New York, wearing a black suit of fine Asian silk. He had called his favorite toy up to give her assignment. She was a beautiful thing, for being an animal, that is. Joseph Hemmerstein was never a fan of his Little Sibling species, seeing them as mindless brutes, a common stereotype. Joseph had heard from one of his many Eyes-and-Ears that the Elder of Clan Bravado had sided with the Valentine in defending the honor of the impregnated heir. He also learned that the Elder had called upon a familiar plaything, Leon. Joseph remembered Leon well. He was a fun one to torture, how easily he was to infuriate. The boy had become a man since they crossed paths next, and it looked like he grew a brain in the process.

The door opened behind him and he turned to behold his new favorite plaything, the beautiful Marissa. Joseph was stern and cruel with her, using more as a tool than anything else. "Your kind have always been a thorn in my side, Marissa." be began. "I want you to use your uncanny skills in hunting and tracking to find a certain Lycanthrope for me.... Leon Wulfschild. He has been an inconvenience to me before, and he was but a child then. I do not want him or his Pack to live to help the Valentines. You are to kill them all. All the males, females, pups, and elders. If you fail me, I will make you regret it. Three days torture and someone very close to you will die. Now get out of my sight, dog." He waved her away, going to his desk and sitting. Once the Lycan woman left, Joseph sent secure emails to the best of his professionals, Raze and Davan. Joseph wasn't goignt to take any chances with Leon. He knew that if they crossed paths again, Leon would rip him apart, Garou or human, it didn't matter.

[Mysteria]

Marissa's theme song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odlzH7OI1CU



Marissa had just finished dressing for the evening in her dress to the nines black leather outfit. Her top was a short cropped low cut v-neck halter and she had paired it with a short black leather mini skirt. Topping it off she slid on the black stiletto heels that laced up with leather around her ankles.

She had donned her deep wine colored full length leather coat to finish up the look that went so well with her long flowing blonde hair when she picked up the scent of the elder one. She followed the scent until it led her into the room where ‘he’ was. She walked into the room just in time to see Joseph standing there in all of his dressed up glory. His penchants for the finer things in life was reflected right down to his style of clothing.

Marissa hated him. He wasn’t like Sebastian, the one who had brought her into the clan all of those many long years ago. He was cold, ruthless and he showed no mercy to her and her kind. If it would not have been for the promise that she had made to Sebastian to always protect the clan as he laid dying that horrid night that he was taken from them all, she would have just as soon ripped Josephs throat out but instead she kept her promise to Sebastian. She would protect the clan.

Joseph had always looked at her as nothing more than a mere animal. He had forgotten that once, she was human too. He spoke to her in a demeaning way, not even having given her time to inquire of any details as to where this “Leon” could be found. She would have to use her contacts to find him. It would mean more work for her, but she would rather do it on her own than engage in conversation with the self proclaimed leader Joseph. Instead she nodded, a sarcastic smile gracing her lips as she curtly responded “Your will be done, my liege.” With that, she turned on her heel and left him there, staring at her, his mouth agape. Whether he considered her to be an animal or not, one could not deny that he hungered for her in ways that had she had it her way, he would never have been allowed to have.

[Anne Bonny]

"Of course, my lord. You know I'm at your service."

The white light of Lilith's cell phone glowing gently against her cheek was a bright spot in the otherwise pitch black room. It illuminated fair skin and blue eyes that also seemed to glow with hunger. Despite the darkness, the woman glided around the room with catlike grace, avoiding a broken vase, an overturned ottoman, a growing pool of blood on the floor...

"Leon Wulfschild? I've heard of him, but never met him. He's Bravado, isn't he?"

With the quiet creak of bending leather boots, she lowered herself into a squatting position. Slim fingers wrapped around the hilt of one of her knives as Lilith removed the blade from it's target with a sharp tug. She held it in front of her as she listened to her instructions over the phone. Icy blue eyes settled on the think, warm, crimson liquid that slowly trickled down the knife's pearly surface.

"I understand. He's a strong ally, but volatile then... yes, potentially volatile, of course."

The slightest of smiles quirked at the corner of her mouth. "Don't worry, my lord. I'll keep an eye on the puppy."

The other end of the line went dead, and Lilith lowered the phone. She moved the knife that she still clutched closer to her lips and cleaned it's surface with her tongue. Her eyes closed briefly in a feeling close to ecstasy as the vampiress relished the taste of her victim. One of her kind, while the blood didn't taste as fresh as a human's, it was deeper, richer.

A quiet moan almost escaped her lips as she rose. Lilith put the blade away and took one last look at the dead vampire at her feet, completely bled dry. What a fool. What other word could she use to describe one who went against the Elder?

And now she was to find this Leon Wulfschild and make sure he didn't do the same.

[Crypes]

Davan's ipod is playing...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFS4zYWxzNA

Las Vegas, never was there a bigger layer of scum and deadbeats. Con men, crooks, and the poor sheep that lost all their money to them. Davan walked by one such group in a casino, the tourists becoming flustered and leaving as quickly as they were replaced by the next group. They didn't see anything that even resembled cheating, but they didn't have the eyes of a vampire. It was at one of these tables that he found his target.

The Bravado member saw him nearly a mile away and was already excusing himself from his table. He ran through the kitchen, jolting cooks and waiters alike before he hit the back door. He looked behind him to check if he was still being followed when he bumped into someone. Next thing he knew he was flying ten feet to hit the cement side of the building.

"Those that look for death behind them are only going to find it in the front." He heard, along with a blade being drawn. He pulled out his pistol and fired without hesitation, only to see the enemy vampire deflect his shot with a katana. The sparks off the blade blinded the Bravado vampire for a short second, but that was all it took. The vampire saw that he was on the ground and his assassin was walking away, placing it's blade back in it's sheath. He tried to breathe a sigh of relief before he realized his lungs weren't working properly. Actually, nothing below the neck was working properly. The last thing he'd ever realized is that he was a head on the ground.

Davan sighed as he continued on his way to a black Corvette. He slid into the front seat and turned on the stereo as he did, hitting the startup button at the same time. He felt the buzzing in his front suit pocket and pulled out the excited PDA. He checked his e-mail and grinned when he noticed he was close to his next target. Hopefully, this one would put up more of a fight.

[Auki]

Acacia’s Motorcycle:

http://z.about.com/d/motorcycles/1/0/d/0/-/-/ChopperBigDogChopper.jpg


---

Acacia was so used to the roar of engines – The pack had been travelling for a long time after all – that the noise barely registered in her mind, her dark eyes wandering absently from the road ahead to gaze upon the surrounding mountains, eerily still in the night. Despite the falling snow, she was more than used to travelling by motorcycle and as such, didn’t feel the need to watch where she was riding, more fascinated by the solemn landscape around them. It might have been reckless to let her attention drift but she felt unusually safe riding beside Leon. Alone, the night might have put her on edge; with him, she felt calm and protected. Her hair rippled behind her as she turned to glance at her mate. She could see his eyes glinting gold, just the stance with which he rode relaying his obvious power. Just watching him gave her a warm feeling, even with the harsh weather that berated them. Despite that warmth, however, their roles as Alphas were tiring and she was growing weary of their constant travelling – She often wondered if Leon’s feelings for her were still as strong as they used to be. She didn’t complain though – She knew he wanted to find a home just as much as her. Then perhaps…

Although she loved each pup in the pack and took it as a part of her rank to ensure their safety, she knew it did not amount to the compassion she would feel for her own children.

Hours passed, with her thoughts drifting between Leon, the pack and other less important things, before they arrived at their destination, the “Timberwolves Road House’. Although her mate walked straight in to announce their arrival, she busied herself with helping unload the pups from the closed-topped cars they drove in. The others in the pack set about parking their bikes in a rather disorderly fashion and she glanced at the building beside her – It would be best to get the pups somewhere warm as quickly as possible. Picking up one of the youngest and cradling the girl in her arms, Acacia indicated for the rest to follow before making her way after Leon. A small bell rung as she opened the door but she ignored it, giving a warm smile to her mate before ushering the pups to take a seat at the nearest table. “I’m sure we’ll find you something to eat soon,” she told the girl in her arms kindly, getting a shy nod in reply, before putting her down. She watched amused as the pup rushed to join the others – It could never be denied that the majority of Lycans needed their pack, if only to keep their sanity. She offered a small wave to an elderly woman who she presumed owned the building. Trusting that the Betas would look after the pack whilst she talked to her husband, her eyes searched the room for him. She found him sitting alone. “Looks like something’s happened,” she murmured to Nicoli, brushing a hand through her wind-swept hair.

She approached Leon’s table cautiously, looking for any indication that he didn’t want her company. Getting little in the way of response to her presence, she moved to stand behind him, placing a hand on either shoulder. Almost absently, she began to rub at the tensed muscles. “We can’t have our leader looking so stressed,” she murmured as she bent down, kissing him a few times on the neck. She continued her back massage for a few moments before moving to sit beside him, a hand placed on his arm, “What’s gone wrong?” She wasn’t one to beat around the bush when it came to serious matters. If he didn’t want to talk about it, that was fine – She knew plenty of ways to perk his mood. If he did tell her what was up, she knew they would find a way to work through it together. After all, despite the shit that had been thrown their way over the years, they’d always managed to find some kind of solution.

[StormWolf]

Leon was absorbed in his thoughts, occasionally washing them down with a sip of the dark beer that Grace had given him. His brow was intensely furrowed and his eyes would flicker from molten gold to blue ice as he rolled the new development around in his head. His thoughts kept on getting darker as they went deeper, but the touch of an angel - his angel- fixed that.

Acacia was not a frail woman, by any means. He had seen her wild side more than once, but she was so gentle, so tender. Her hands so warm and her fingers so light upon his broad shoulders, tense with angst. He let a purr-like growl rumble deeply in his throat as her kisses fluttered down his thick neck.

When she sat next to him, he looked her in the eyes, his own a mix of sadness and rage. She was so beautiful. She deserved the best. She deserved a place to call home and a family, but she was stuck with him and his nomadic ways. The feel of her hand on his arm made his hair stand on end and his heart race. He loved her so, but he so rarely got the chance to express it. That is the price of his aspirations.

"We were so close to home, Acacia...." he said in a voice that was deep and thunder, but smooth as oiled leather. "I could feel it. Our home, it is so close... but..." He pursed his lips to prevent himself from snarling. The average patron would be slightly alarmed to see a human with wolfen teeth.

"The Elder called. He says he bloody needs us. Why us? There are plenty of other Packs. Why now?" He growled in frustration, his fingernails becoming large black claws capable of rending steel as if it were paper.

"I'm so sorry, love. We can't have our Promised Land yet. We have yet to face one more trial." He took a sip from his stein, offering the large mug to his mate for a drink.

"More than anything, I want to find our Pack a nice commune in the mountains, far away from civilization. Plenty of prey to feed upon, a wonderful environment to raise pups on... I grew up in the mountains. I remember playing in the snow with the other pups, before the war." he smiled weakly. His hand found hers, his skin so rough compared to that of his mate. He brushed his thumb over her comparably smaller hand.

"This Clan War is going to be big, and it's going to be bad. I think it would be safest if the pups didn't follow the pack for this one. They can stay here with Grace and her Pack. They are like family. I don't even want to think about what I would do if they got hurt.... and if anything happened to you... But then again, I know asking you not to fight means me sleeping on the couch." He smiled again, some heart in it this time and no fangs. If anything happened to you, Acacia, I would lose myself... You mean everything to me. He thought to himself as he looked her in the eyes. He leaned forward and planted a soft but passionate kiss on the silky lips of his mate. It had been so long, it seemed, since he had done that.

[ｒａｂｂｉｔ]

Adriana’s motorcycle, only in black and navy blue details
http://www.skinz.org/motorcycles/harley-davidson-wallpapers/harley-davidson-wallpapers-2.jpg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVA799gKNzo&feature=related – She’s A Genius by Jet
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iay9gyLNdBw – Cold Hard Bitch by Jet

— — — — —

Adriana had had the same song going around in her head since Houston and she would question her sanity if she didn’t hear it again as soon as possible – that was what usually happened with these things, wasn’t it? The mighty roar of the pack’s engines was probably louder from where she road – at the rear of the pack, out of habit – covering for the pups who trailed behind in the tank of a pick-up truck. The thing was all steel, made back when it wasn’t politically incorrect to do so, but that didn’t mean the kids riding in it weren’t vulnerable from anything that might happen, like hitting an ice patch on the road and crashing or an attack from someone who didn’t like our family too much. You considered anything possible when you’ve lived through the seventy two years she had, born into the pack and all.

The feisty blond wore little more than leather leggings under her fur coat and a long-sleeve lace shirt; under the shirt though, oddly enough, nothing was exposed – the magic of modern fashion and flesh toned fabrics. Her hair was loose, whipping back behind her, probably getting knotted in the worst way, but she was used to it – like it, mostly, until she had to comb the knots out. The severe lack of honest, warm clothing fazed her little – she’d always been a hot blooded creature, both literally and metaphorically. Her booted foot caught the shifter and the beast of a machine between her thighs roared, smoothly advancing forward through the night, past the younger members of the pack as they neared their destination. Adriana fell in behind the alphas as they pulled into the Road House’s graveled parking lot, which wasn’t very helpful in the falling snow. She parked her bike and shut off its engine, resting her hands on the warm gas tank before bringing her leg over from the other side of the bike and following Acacia and Leon into the Timberwolves Road House. Ironic name, really.

The blond slipped into the warm room and smiled, shivering a little; with a glance over her shoulder, she saw how the rest of the pack spread out around the room – some to the bar to get drinks, others to claim tables. She, however, went to the booth the pups were filing into and smiled.

“What song do you guys want to listen to, huh?” She reached into a pocket on the inside of her coat and set a dollar and some quarters on the tabletop.

“Just pick a bunch,” one of the boys told her and she smiled, touching his nose.

“But that’s no fun, huh? But ok, I will. Promise to dance with me later?” She laughed as he nodded enthusiastically, promising. The blond then walked away, got change for the dollar, and went to the juke-box; she plugged in a few fun songs and was about to start dancing as her slim phone buzzed in her pocket. Adriana drew it out and blinked, surprised to see the name on the screen. She answered.

“Kingsley, hey darlin’! How’re yo—?“ The blond fell silent and listened.

Her skin took on a displeased — almost frightened — pallor, her rose petal lips parted then pursed and she snapped her cell phone closed. Weaving her way through the tables to the other side of the establishment, she glanced both of the Alpha’s in the eyes even as she interrupted, voice lowered so that only they could hear her. “I’m sorry; I just got a call from Las Vegas. It was Kingsley, he says Derek is…” Adriana paused and shook her head a little with disbelief. “He says Derek is dead.”

[MidKnight]

Cross was in a small room, but in that room was filled with mostly weight lifting equipment. He was doing push ups in the middle of the room with one arm behind his back, he was quietly counting to himself, "67....68....69." He continued to count as he made each push up.

Feeling the sweat behind his ears and on his forehead, Cross finished doing his excercise and got back up on his feet. Moving his neck around and rolling his head on his shoulders, he could feel his neck cracking. He takes a deep breath, takes a towel and wraps it behind the back of his neck and exited the room.

[Shin.Aether]

Raze stood tending the American branch of his succesful tavern branches. He was in the city of New York, one he specificially had rigged to do the most good. While he served the Sanguine Elder with justified brutality. Though in these times themselves Raze often felt insulted by the latest embraced of kin. Even the human wannabe vampires disgusted him with contempt.

Silently though he wore a white apron and black english suit. Complete with black dragon cuplinks on his sleeved cotton jacket. Black hair tied together into a modest male ponytail left his hair straight and course. This all being in the clan's inner dealings. Raze would give nothing but the best most professional service and attempt.

He prepaired a few liquids, one being a crystal of bloodwine. The other located behind him, being his home brewed wolfsbane poison. In small doses it was painful and straining in a concentrated batch all at once it was deadly. Setting the crystal to his lips, Raze would calmly sip from it. Then set it down along with the bottle. Turning around Raze noted that the potion would take time to brew.

[Evil Troy]

Nocoli's Bike:
http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/ss269/Hottskill/RPG/Bike.jpg

Music: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsjaIb2VhTM

The roar of the engines ringing in his ears, the smell of the fresh mountain air filling his nostrils, the taste of the bitter cold snow against his lips, these truly were things Nicoli had become accustomed too. As he rode in front of the covered vehicles he looked out to the horizon, the sight of the setting sun over the deep blue hills of the mountains was always a beautiful sight to him. It was amazing how a world so laden with war could still hold so much beauty. As he rode the thought of finding a mate entered into his mind. He had, had to struggle and prove himself so many times throughout his life that the thought of settling down with a woman and having pups of his own seemed like a dream.

As the pack made their way into the parking lot of The Timberwolves Nicoli looked up at the old building. In a way it was kind of funny, he had been here so many times it almost started to feel like it was home. Yet he knew that where ever it was Leon was leading them it was sure to feel like their true home.

After killing the ignition Nicole lifted his leg over his bike and set his black boots on the gravel. He then stood up tall to stretch, his hole filled jeans loosening around his legs as he did so. Other than his jeans and boots Nicoli fashioned a graphic t-shirt and a black leather jacket. Most would say he was repetitive with his clothing, but he didn’t care, they were comfortable and that’s all he really cared about. Stepping into the build like the rest of the pack Nicoli went and stood beside Acacia.

“Looks like something’s happened,” he heard her say before heading off to Leon’s side. Nicoli just turned and looked at the pups.

“What doesn’t happen anymore?”

Shaking his head he began to walk over to where the pups where, but stopped when he saw Adriana close her cell and over to where Leon was. He could tell from her face that something had happened. Sighing deeply he slowly made his way over to the table and looked around at everyone. Just from everyone’s expressions it was easy to see that it was indeed a table full of troubles. Knowing what the answer was going to be Nicoli put on a solemn face.

“Is something wrong guys?”

[Auki]

"We were so close to home, Acacia...."

At the words, her heart sank. Were. Past tense. Once again, her dream of a family snatched away so close to the end. Every time her thoughts drifted to their future litter of pups, some kind of obstacle always seemed to appear, keeping her perfect life just out of reach. Her grip on his arm loosened and she averted her gaze; he shouldn’t have to see the disappointment in her eyes. It was her own burden to carry – Obviously, there were more important things in the world than her and her mate’s desires.

“The Elder called. He says he bloody needs us…”

Even as Alpha, there was always someone of higher authority to call them away from their own wishes, to remind them that the Clan came first.

“Why us? There are plenty of other Packs. Why now?"

That brought an unwilling smile to her lips. It was obvious why they had asked this pack; Leon. Oh, he had his faults all right but when it came to battle, war and leadership, she never doubted he would return to her safely. And that was what she assumed the Elder was calling him for, some kind of conflict she had yet to hear of. She took his stein, sipping from it carefully – Her slim figure didn’t allow her to down such drinks at once; It wasn’t as such a matter of how much she drank, just how quickly – and she listened to his words intently. Riding outside in the wind had dried her throat, making her all the more grateful for the drink now in her hands. He spoke of his childhood, she always liked to hear stories of where he grew up; it seemed so magical compared to her own upbringing. Returning the stein to his side of the table, she smiled as his hands clasped hers; hardened hands, capable of almost anything. A small part of her knew this was the last chance they had to share a moment like this; that soon they would have to face the war, as much comrades as they were lovers.

"This Clan War is going to be big, and it's going to be bad. I think it would be safest if the pups didn't follow the pack for this one. They can stay here with Grace and her Pack. They are like family. I don't even want to think about what I would do if they got hurt.... and if anything happened to you... But then again, I know asking you not to fight means me sleeping on the couch."

She chuckled and nodded in agreement, “Damn right, you’ll be on the couch, sweetheart. You know I can look after myself better than any other girl in the pack – I’ve had my fair share of fights after all.” She lightly fingered at one of her many scars – A series of claw marks across her right collarbone, faint in their old age. She was getting far more self-conscious of them recently – She wanted to be just perfect for Leon, so she could be sure his loyalty never faltered, but the scars were proof she wasn’t.
However, even if she couldn’t be the most beautiful woman in his life, at least she could be the strongest. She knew, or at least assumed, that losing another mate in his life would destroy him and that was the last thing she wanted. To her, Leon was powerful enough to take on any enemy; To imagine him as a broken man was like imaging a cow that could fly – Unnatural and near on impossible. Another possibility was that he would allow his anger to flow unrestrained, that he would forget all boundaries, and the thought of that scared her.

As he leant forward and kissed her, her mind went blank, the way it did when they first used to kiss. All those worries and fears melted and she drew closer to him. This might be the last time they kissed like this, although the thought didn’t occur to her at that moment. If she could have focused, she would have made a mental reminder to make him kiss her like this more often. Instead her thoughts flitted between memories of the two of them, all the things she loved about him and her vague awareness of that warmth that persisted to fill her whenever he acted like this.

Breaking off the kiss so as not to loose herself completely in his embrace, she leant her forehead against his, his ice blue eyes in sharp contrast to the dark brown of hers. Her gaze was firm and gentle at the same time – A look she had perfected long ago. “Sure, we’ll play this Clan War game all over again,” she said – She had never really understood why the Clans couldn’t just stay out of each other’s way for once, “but as soon as it’s done, because trust me, we will both still be alive, you will get me pregnant.” She said it in a way that left no question about the fact, unwavering determination tingeing her tone.

Noticing the approaching footsteps – her enhanced hearing allowed her to make out the steady thump of boots over the patrons’ noise – she turned to face Adriana. She would have smiled a greeting but the blonde’s expression was one of shock.

“…Derek is dead.”

Acacia’s brow furrowed as she processed the information. “Is something wrong guys?” Nicoli asked and she made a gesture as if to say ‘Listen in and you’ll learn what’s going on’. “Do you know how it happened?” She asked Adriana calmly – There was no point getting worried until she knew the details after all. She could pay her respects to Derek at a later date after all – Now that she knew they were to be heavily involved in the clan war, she suspected there would be many more deaths to come of those she knew.

She waited for an answer to her question. Afterwards, she would remain silent in case Leon had his own questions. She wondered if he would take this opportunity to tell them that the pack had been called upon by the Elder.

[Shin.Aether]

Standing over the concoction that Raze had managed as he did time and time again. Was a very incandescent looking liquid that nearly looked thinner then water. However that be not the case with this formula. The microscopic proteins within the steaming brew could enroach the werewolf genome. It took him until the invention of the microscope until he knew why it worked. Raze noted that as time went on humankind were blessed with the wisdom to emulate god.

"But none of you ever inherited his strength. Your yuth is wasted."

With that thought in mind Raze continually mixed the liquid stopping a second. He finally saw the desired result of a 20 hour brewing session. His finest work, how his first love would be proud of him. It took him the better part of a century to produce this fine a poison brew.

Prepairing a set of vials in a wooden framed test tube holder. With some ornamental ingrained rose petals. This was his gift alone, though he used human technology. He kept some things to remind him of a bygone age.

Dripping the liquid into a flask and vials, Raze was careful to level off each.
This room was perhaps the oldest building in New York itself now. He remembered when he came here from Great Britain. A major in his majesties armies. But there lied the secret many soldiers kept. In a rare alliance George the Third struck a deal with Vampire Lords, in exchange for his silence. King George had recruited the clans of Vampires to put end to a Greywolf Rebelion.

Although at the time each man was unaware that the women of this cruise. Were Vampires from northern tip of Scottland. How he found out was quite chaotic. A grim smile came to Raze's face. Later his Sire became his first love. She was a Sanguine Royal, her Elders left hand.

Throughout the war, Native American Tribes. All throughout had a terrifying secret held away for generations from England and Europe. They were all Greyolf's themselves. Never in all his life did Sol fight so hard, his honor in service was remarkable. Later he returned to England to become Eternal Retainer to the Sanguine, the Right hand of the Elder.

But there was one thing about those times that bothered him. His quad of Greywolf hunters who had killed to the center of the American continent. All found a terrifying secret in the Mountains of Colorado. A final resting place of sanctuary for all werewolf kind. Although there were only five Greywolf there. They all died protecting a single Alpha Female, whom Raze and the quad could never fine.

All in all he wondered if that female had been with child. One of the things he couldn't fathom in his heart for now. Sol himself being the few who knew where that place was. He took an oath to even hide it from the Elder. He knew better he was two years from reaching Elder status. And in all his time his blood remained pure and shielded as Retainer for a few centuries.

Shrugging off he turned and pondered when the subject would arrive. He would prepare the table for his latest victim.

[StormWolf]

He savored her touch as long as he could, letting the rush of pure love course through his veins. He had to be careful, if he let himself go in a public place he would never hear the end of it. When Acacia broke the kiss, Leon made a puppy-ish whine in his throat, smiling at her with his modest smile. She was his strength, she was his spirit, she was his will to live. Everything he did, every breath he took, he took for her. Acacia, to Leon, was an angel sent from the Lord. She saved him from his self-destructive path and raised him from perdition. He knew that if he ever lost her, his mind would be gone forever.

“Sure, we’ll play this Clan War game all over again,but as soon as it’s done, because trust me, we will both still be alive, you will get me pregnant."

Leon heard this and smiled broadly, teeth and all, a smile that basically had "i love you" carved into the teeth. He nodded slowly, bringing her hand up to his lips and planting a small kiss on her knuckles,

"Of course, dear. I want that future as much as you do, and you know I would do anything for you. If you asked me to rip down the Empire State building, I would. We will have a beautiful family, you and I, and I am more than willing to kill to meet that family someday soon." He smiled and gave his mate one more kiss on the lips before the Pack's Beta female, Adriana, showed up with some frustrating news.

Leon simply growled deeply his his throat, claws sprouting and cutting the wood of the table. "Damn it. Derek was my Eyes-and-Ears in Vegas! This is bad new if I ever heard it.... The enemy knows who to hit, and where. That is Sanguine work, I know it." He finished off his beer and slid the mug across the table. Sighing and rubbing his eyes, Leon looked at the deep trenches his claws left in the wood of the table.

“Is something wrong guys?"

Leon quirked an eyebrow up at his other Beta, the Alpha's eyes golden once more, "You have to ask?" Leon slammed his palm on the table in frustration, he was letting so many down. He promised the, that they would find their home before the snow was too heavy, but he broke that promise.... again.

"We aren't homeward bound anymore. We got the Draft Call from the Elder. We're going to fight in the upcoming Clan War. We leave tomorrow, towards Denver City. The pups aren't coming with us. Their blood on my hands would be too much to take."

[Crypes]

The Corvette's engine hummed as it pulled into the parking lot and glided towards the front of the police station. After a moment it settled into a reserved parking spot in front of the place. It wasn't Davan's reserved spot, but what were they going to do? Arrest him? The car turned off and Davan stepped out. He held the door for an officer that was guiding in some nameless juvenile before walking up to the bulletproof glass that protected the woman sitting at the front desk. "Excuse me, but is Commissioner Rodriguez in at the moment? My name is Davan Shumenko, and we have some important issues to discuss."

The woman looked up lazily before keying the intercom, "Someone to see you boss. Looks like another one of your FBI friends." She said, having no idea how close Davan was to chuckling. When he thought about it, there was a distinct similarity between a vampire's style of dress and the federal agent's. He also considered that they both had the tendency to suck the life out of someone in one way or another. Davan looked up as she motioned for him to enter.

He strode through to the back where the Commissioner's office was located and opened the door to see his fellow clan member pouring two glasses of bloodwine, made by Sol Arcanile Darcadie himself. "Such a treat over my capture of a minor informant? What else did I do to deserve such a thing?"

The Commissioner chuckled as he took a sip of the drink. "Minor informant to the clan, but a major pain to me, my friend. Besides, I heard about your latest mission. You need to enjoy all the life possible while you still can."

Davan simply laughed while reaching into his pocket for his cigarettes. "While I appreciate your faith in my prowess, I suppose you have a point. Now, do you have the information I inquired about on the phone?"

"Yes yes, I have your information. The pack appears to be headed for Denver city." The Commissioner handed over a yellow envelope before continuing, watching as Davan opened it and began eying the contents. "We have several dots on the map that indicate likely rest stops. Our intelligence has no idea where in Detroit city they're going though. But a motorcycle gang can't be too hard to track down, eh? We have several clan members in the area that are going to back you up. I'd go myself, but obvious reasons."

Draining his glass of wine, Davan nodded and put the envelope in his suit's inner pocket. "I appreciate it nonetheless. I'll see you next time I'm in town, hopefully I can replace that bottle of wine."

"Come back soon Davan, and when I say soon, keep in mind I'm talking like a human. I'm not two hundred you know."

Davan just nodded and walked out the door. Getting into the Corvette, he started driving away. First stop, the Timberwolves Road House.

[Mysteria]

Marissa exited the house fuming and entered the garage where her ride sat waiting. She always rode instead of taking a car. Cars were to restricting for her likings. Before mounting the bike, she flipped the cell phone open to make a call. When the voice on the other end answered she simply said "I need information on the leader Leon, clan Bravado. And, I need it fast."

Flipping the phone back shut Marissa opened the garage doors, exiting in a hurry. She couldn't stay in the house for one moment longer. Being close to Joseph for any amount of time sickened her. His scent, his touch nauseated her.

The bike roared out of the driveway and within moments Marissa was heading out of town and into the freedom of the open roads. The lake was her favorite haunt, she went there often to think. There was something about the wind rushing through her hair that calmed her. Despite all of her many long years of living, there were some things that no amount of speed, no amount of thinking could bring escape for her soul.

She felt tears welling up in her dark eyes. Damn Joseph anyhow. He was nothing like Sebastian. Sebastian had been warm and caring, a friend and lover. Joseph was cold, calculating and he being the self proclaimed elder of the clan had subjected her to things that made him feel like he was in control of her. However, he held no real control over the Alpha female. Any control that he felt he had, she had allowed him to have only to serve her purposes, her goals.


He was mad, demented even. There were few in the clan who would actually fulfill his desires to have pups from the other clans killed. Had Sebastian lived, he would have ripped the elders throat out for even uttering such words.

Marissa would fight for her clan with no regrets, no remorse. She would do whatever it took to fulfill her promise to Sebastian, and to protect her clan but the one thing she would not, could not do, would be to take the life of a pup. Her own pups life had been taken from her, many, many long years ago. She would deprive no mother of her child.

Joseph was indeed an elder, but he knew little of such things as motherhood, or for that fact, women in general. The Alpha female smiled to herself as she brought the bike to a stop and dismounted, looking out over the shimmering water of the lake. Her mind wandered as she began to plot things out in the sanctuary of these few free moments.


Indeed the elder knew little and Marissa, in her infinite wisdom knew that some day, perhaps very soon the Sanguin Elder would get his just reward. Perhaps not by her hand, but his day would come.

Having had a moment to herself to think, she turned the bike around and headed back to town.

[Anne Bonny]

"Morgan, my dear, I'm on my way to Denver City," Lilith said, on her cell phone again. Her fellow Valintine hadn't answered, but the dark haired vampire knew Morgan would get back to her. She continued on the voice mail as she surveyed her closet, trying to decide what to bring along. "One of our brothers in Bravado could use our help out there. I would love for you to join me."

She pressed the "end" button before dialing another comrade, Asimov Delicroux. Lilith left him a similar message, then one to Rhea Lowery and Lee Ann Williams. The four were her favorite companions to work with, and for good reason. While each varied greatly as far as personality and talents go, each was loyal to Valintine and reliable in battle.

It would be cold in Denver City, wouldn't it? Lilith mused to herself, pulling a long, dark coat from her closet. She fingered the fur trim idly, her thoughts returning to her pervious phone call. She had intentionally left out the bit of information about keeping an eye on this Leon. Her own mission was two-fold: help the lycan succeed, and make sure he doesn't stumble while he tries. It seemed simple enough, but Lilith had a feeling that if the situation was indeed simple, the Elder wouldn't have given her such an assignment.

Lilith donned the coat and made for the door. Her destination wasn't far. She would find the answers to her wonderings soon enough.

[Flex]

Technology was a conundrum; a constantly evolving formula - it would grow and grow and grow… time would change it… people would accustom… yet it would never be enough. Ever. Evolution was expected. Something’s… not right, Dice thought, running her hands over the screen of the laptop - she imagined the life pulsing beneath the hardware; beeps and signals and a circuitry that sizzled with an intensity that was almost unfathomable. She had built the laptop from scratch; salvaging materials - loose circuitry, second-hand hardware… it was, in a way, her child. Her masterpiece.

“Ma’am, I’m sorry but w’ere well past closing hours,” a cheerful voice broke through her reverie.

“Well” Dice murmured, flickering in annoyance, her hands still stroking the screen of her ‘masterpiece’. “You…” she continued, drinking in the sight of the waitress; elegant, young, well-proportioned. How many people like her existed? Far too many, Dice snickered to herself. They infested the… the… the ‘system’, if that term was used anymore. It had been a while since Dice was a human; she felt herself tearing away from the basics of their civilisation as each day passed.

There were so many things Dice could have said, or done, in return; so many options. They were endless for a vampire. A punch… a round-house kick… even a tickle would probably have sufficed; sending the pretty little stick to heaven. And there was always her sword; always by her side; her ace card. Though, to be honest, Dice wasn’t feeling particularly violent - especially when such behaviour would be deemed unnecessary; after all human life was, in its on small way, essential - so she settled for a glare instead. “Fine,” she hissed at the waitress, stuffing her laptop into her backpack and stealing into the night.

Dice had always loved the weather; even back as a human being, luxuriating in the sunshine, hurling herself through strong winds, gazing at the clouds, singing in the rain - as a vampire, this passion had only intensified. She could still remember her first moment as a vampire, high up in the Himalayas with Cube, reminiscing over her second chance. Dice grinned. It had been a glorious moment… and it was a glorious night tonight. “Absolutely glorious,” she murmured to herself happily. She raced down the streets, a blur against the backdrop of New York. She would be home soon.

Home was Sanguine - her clan. Dice ran her hands through her long, dark tresses; a telltale sign that she was contemplating something. Almost there, she thought to herself as she took a short cut; via the city sewers. Crude perhaps, but it would take her where she needed to be - the house of Sanguine - fast and quick. Dice was one for efficiency. She left the highlights of the city behind her, descending into the murky passages of the sewers. She wasn’t worried about what ran through their waters - sickness and disease and mutant creatures. Fear of such things were best left for humans.

She was cruising the sewers, intent on her destination, when it happened. She heard it at first; a scuffle, a slight scamper. Then the smell; young and rosy - human. She twitched, flinging around, squinting her eyes. You should go… now,” she told the stranger - or strangers; she could sense more than one. If the poor things were smart, they would stay away - if they were smart, they would run and live to see tomorrow morning and the morning after and after and after.

If they were smart.

A young group of male thugs emerged from a tunnel connecting to the sewers; their faces were descended in darkness, their bodies large and ghoulish. Their voices were ghoulish; deep and hoarse. A common type amongst humans.

“What brings you down here tonight, missus?” a snide voice returned her warning. It was young and male - like she’d guessed.
“Hey there, pretty woman.”
“Stupid bitch, coming down here. You’re basically asking for it. She’s begging for it,” the voice jeered. The others erupted in laughter. “You’ll beg, won’t you? You’ll beg and beg and plead for mercy, won’t you? Won’t you?”

Dice sighed, slipping a hand down the neck of her kimono, her fingers brushing against the hilt of her sword. Humans could be so, so stupid. She pulled the weapon out from behind her back. It felt light and elegant in her hand; the centre of a million memories. Slowly she raised the weapon up to the dim light hanging from the roof of the sewer; pools of yellow reflecting against its blade. “Not tonight.”

She emerged from the sewers, invigorated; sword bloodied against her back… she could feel the liquid seeping down her kimono. She wondered what it tasted like - sweet or rusty? Or perhaps even a little metallic? She longed to find out… to have a little taste. Even then, there were plenty of others in a city like this…

…the options were endless when you were a vampire.

[MidKnight]

Cross was sweating really bad, he walked around in his apartment with a towel behind his neck and over his shoulders, wearing only sweats, socks and a pair of athletic shoes. He goes to his kitchen area, nothing much was in the kitchen except for a couple of meat packages in the sink, and some Red Bull in the refrigerator, he knows the drink won't satisfy him much, but he does like the taste of it, keeps him alert.

Popping a can of Red Bull and throwing his towel on the couch in the living room quarters, Cross grabbed his T.V. remote and sat on the couch, with his energy drink in one hand and the remote in the other. He turned the T.V. on and a channel news came on, something recently happened but he didn't care about it much. So he sits there, drinking his beverage, thinking about something. He looks around and sees his cell phone sitting coffee table, he picks it up and looks at it, several missed calls, but he doens't bother looking at them.

He calls one specific person, A.J. an old friend he knows for a while, human yes, but he doesn't know about Cross's true form, as he dials the number, and presses the call button, he presses the phone agains't his ear as he use his other hand to find the remote, while the phone rings a couple of times, finally somebody answers.

"Yo?" A.J. said through the phone.

"Hey A.J. are we still on for tonight?" Cross asked.

"Dude you know manager won't like us not being there I mean come on, we're practically his only security, the guy won't find anybody else, I mean sure there's potential out in the city and everything but the guy won't gives us up. Sure we get the job done and whatnot, but believe me, this guy won't let us go."

"A.J. I asked if we're still on tonight, I didn't asked about our past history and relation with the guy."

"Yeah I know but still you gotta think about it, I mean, yes I'm some skinny guy with weak muscles, but if somebody tries to get rowdy with me, I can always run behind you as a human shield."

Cross laughs.

"Sure buddy, laugh it up, but sooner or later, you gotta take a bullet for me, I take a bullet for you."

"Yeah sure, then try and run behind me after the first warning shot?"

"Uh...yeah."

Cross laughs again.

"Alright A.J. I'll see you at the club then."

A.J. sighs

"Yeah I'll see you there."

Cross presses the end button, he takes another sip from his Red Bull, he gets up and places the beverage on the coffee table and heads to his room.

[Shin.Aether]

Raze looked over to Davan and smiled smugly. His grey blue eyes took note of him from afar. Still sizing him up it seemed, it was only yesterday to him that he'd joined the Sanguine. Oh how things seemed in a perpetual state of fast forward to a vampire.

"Any informant as you should know is not 'minor'. If Joshua has a good reason to bag a person, vampire or lycan. You can rest assured it probably came from middle management as a suggestion. With all this human audio video technology. We can't waste our time bringing in a false lead."

A cool liquid poured into the crimson blood wine into the two crystals before him. Sol would cork the remainder and set it inside the old cupboard. Lifting the glass to his lips he took a slow sip of it. After setting up the 'table' he tightened the bolts of the silver hooks.

The meaning of this table was to blind the lycan and insert the metal hooks. The table itself looked borrowed from a hospital for spine surgery patients. Who would have thought Sol would see it as a great torture table. Tightening a few loose bolts on it with his bare fingers. He would make sure the table was ready to take in the accused.

"I'll be overseeing the interogation, remind me we have three days until the Harvest moon, correct?"

After the table was finished Sol went to the closet and grabbed a branding iron. With his black leather gloves Sol didn't feel the burning he would normally have felt. Setting the branding iron into the kindling fire he watched as the fire heated the metal. A venomous smile came to heart as he remembered how many lycans came the opposing side of the brand. Marking them in their immortality as victims of torture.

"If only you could fathom how much it brings me to peace to hold this. Of course I was always squeemish in the begining about using it."

A gentle laugh came as he remembered how hopeless he had been in torture. Now he was the head of the Sanguine interogation department. Although Davan was making excellent progress. He had no doubt one day he would become as iconic as Raze someday.

[Ankolyste]

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/Kitacus/MyreSBTM.jpg

Myre was informed about a week ago about a traced phone call her clan had listened to with some interesting information. With Myre being the Alpha female of the Arzano's Lycan clan she was given all the details short and simply. It was about the other clans in the war, those who they had been documenting for a while to trace their whereabouts to learn their strategy. Their location was set and their motives were as well... Easy enough.

Myre was now traveling alone down a straight country road in Utah from California towards the frozen mountains of Colorado. Riding her jet black Hayabusa her figure screamed down the road as if she were cutting the air as she traveled. Her black helmet concealed her face with a tinted cover, keeping her face safe from the wind as it grew colder as she got closer to the hills in the distance.

She was wearing a leather strap outfit with a white fur coat which traveled in the air behind her as she went along. A box strapped down in the back of her Hayabusa contained clothing, her clutch and necessary items in case she came across an aggressive.

Myre sped through the streets as she then started to scale the mountain roads, taking little caution to the snow that began to fall. A sigh form under her helmet along with the fidgeting of her hands showed her bitterness towards the cold.


http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff298/Kitacus/MorganSBTM.jpg

Morgan heard her phone ringing impatiently on the edge of her dresser top. It vibrated until it fell into the open third drawer from the top, continuing to ring until it went to voice mail. She groaned and pressed her palms into her temples as she tightened her eyes, not wanting to be woken from her slumber. Rolling over in her bed she sat up and yawned, pushing her dark red mess behind her shoulders as she looked at the light coming from her cell phone in her drawer. It was the only light in the entire room.

Pushing her light comforter off of her she stretched her long pale legs as she toppled onto the balls of her feet and twirled around a few times as she rounded her bed and stuck her hand into the drawer retrieving her phone. Pressing 1 she put the phone to her ear as she placed her long claw in her mouth, running her tongue along the tip.

"Morgan, my dear, I'm on my way to Denver City, One of our brothers in Bravado could use our help out there. I would love for you to join me."

Morgan smiled as she heard Lilith's voice, spinning once she dropped her phone onto her bed and let out a soft chuckle. Dancing to her closet she tossed clothing along with their hangers out of the closet and onto the floor, a smile dancing on her lips. Taking a black tank top and Black tight jeans from the now destroyed closet she changed quickly and tossed her dingeys across the room into the hamper. Spinning around she got to her vanity, grabbing her brush and taming the mop upon her head into a smooth and pin straight masterpiece. Pushing her longer hairs behind her ears she frizzed her bangs forward and smirked in the mirror as she hissed at herself, her fangs making herself proud.

Morgan grabbed her phone and dialed for Lilith, hoping she hadnt left just yet. Morgan's ride was in the shop from her last joyride and she would be ecstatic if her beloved friend could give her a ride. Holding her phone with her shoulder Morgan moved swiftly through the halls to her front closet, removing her dark crimson coat made of dyed fur. It was her favorite of course. And if she were going to the ice caps of Colorado then she would need it.

[Crypes]

What's playing. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yt_Bu1r-Ovg)

Sound system playing as loud as possible, the Corvette sped through traffic, winding through the other cars like they were sitting still. Following closely behind were the two Ford F150s, packed with heavily armed vampires, ready to kill. The big trucks were far less subtle than their lead car, literally running cars off the road as they went. A chorus of honks and curse words were heard, most of which were ignored, two of which were responded to by a silenced pistol. They were on their way, and anything ahead was going to be dead. That's the way they saw it anyway.

Davan was far less excited, knowing that they were at least half a day behind the pack they were supposed to be eliminating. He turned his music down as he picked up his cellphone and texted the two following trucks. "Match my speed. We're 15mins away and walking the last mile in to ensure surprise." He immediately pressed on the gas, hitting 110 before holding speed. He was barely at half speed, and that was somewhat annoying, but the trucks would never be able to keep up if he'd held such a brutal pace. A few short moments later, lights from the road house came into view. The vehicles immediately slowed and stopped, the vampires in the truck beds jumping out, and those in the cabins opening doors and falling into rank along the road.

Davan exited his own car and stood in front of the sixteen vampires that lined up in front of him, looking them over before giving a satisfied nod and walking towards the roadhouse. The vampires immediately followed and began taking positions around the house, just outside windows and on top of the roof. Davan however, walked right up to the front door. He noticed the strange lack of motorcycles, seeing only two or three. He'd apparently missed the pack. Nonetheless, there was still information to be had.

He lit up a cigarette just outside the door, leaving it in his mouth and drawing his katana. He knocked three times and blew a cloud of smoke before the door opened. He graced the man that opened the door with a straight kick to the chest that sent him flying across the room. Cigarette in one hand, katana in the other, he calmly walked inside to see....

"Children? The elder sent me here to kill defenseless children?"

[MidKnight]

Grabbing his brown leather jacket, Cross exited out of his apartment, locking his door from the outside. He heard the door lock latched, placing the keys in his pocket, he headed towards the elevator. He presses the up button, he laid again'st the wall, waiting patiently for the elevator to show up. But while he wait, he heard a door opened and closed, he looks to see who it is. A young tall woman with a black skirt came walking towards the elevator. She was caucasion, her hair was slicked down, he could see how smooth her black hair was. Before he looked away, she looked at him, he saw her light brown eyes. Cross smiled as he straighten his face and lays it back on the wall.

The girl standed next to Cross, she too was waiting for the elevator, Cross kept his eyes shut for a while, until he heard a ding. He opened them and saw the doors opened. He let the girl stepped inside first, then himself, as he stood on the other side of the elevator, the girl's finger paused before she pressed any buttons, she looked at Cross. "Going down?" she asked, Cross looks at her and says one word, "Yes." the girl presses the button. It was quiet for a while, until she started asking questions.

"So..you live on the same floor as me?"

Cross smiled "Yes I do."

"Which apartment."

Cross raises an eyebrow. "I don't know you well enough to give you that kind of information."

She laughs and so does Cross. Cross looks up, the number said "1." meaning they were on the first floor. The doors opened, the girl steps out, Cross behind her. "So your going out tonight? Blind date?" he asked, the girl raised an eyebrow with a smile, "How did you know that?" she replied, and Cross gives a small gesture look, "Just a guess." then she giggles. "Yes I have a blind date to go to, and I'm guessing you have somebody to met?....lucky girl." Cross was a little stunned to hear her say "lucky girl." so he looks at her, "Not a girl, a job I have to go to." She smiled, "Oh really? and where do you work?"

"Well if you ever want to get in the VIP section at "Da Club" let me know, i work security on that."

The girl smile was bigger, "Well then I'll see you later." she walks away in a different direction.

Cross smiled and watches her leave, "See you later." he says.

[Mysteria]

Outside of The House of Sanguine

Marissa returned to the House of Sanguine, not bothering to park the bike back in the garage. She didn’t plan on staying any longer than necessary. The sooner she got away from Joseph, the happier she would be.

Happiness. How elusive the word had become to her lately. She had been happy before Sebastian's demise and rarely since. She shook the notion off. It mattered not anymore, that was then and this is now. One thing she had learned in her many years was that time stood still for no one and the past could not be changed. Sebastian was gone and it was a fact she had learned to live with a very long time ago.

The ringing of the cell phone snapped her focus back into the present. Answering it she simply replied “Denver it is then, thanks for the info, as always, I owe you one.” Her contacts had never led her astray before, they were reliable. She would gather her things and make for Denver promptly.

It was as she was making her way into the house that she caught a glimpse of Dice. While Marissa held no animosity towards the younger vampire, they had never become overly close either. Being the Alpha female while sometimes having it’s advantages, also held disadvantages which were at the moment of little importance. What was important was that the elder had passed the orders onto her and she must now in turn not only relay those orders to other members of the pack, she must see that they were carried out swiftly. At least, that was, the ones that she could bring herself to carry out.

Marissa greeted the vampire, friendly yet with authority befitting her stature within the clan. “Good evening Dice, I trust the night has treated you well” Marissa said noticing the thin droplets of blood on the kimono. Continuing, Marissa began to tell Dice of their orders. “I go to gather my things for our journey now and will be leaving shortly. The elders would not be pleased should we tarry too long. The pack must be found and dealt with accordingly. As to the cubs…” Marissa’s voice trailed off with slight hesitation before resuming. “As to the cubs, we will deal with that issue when the time comes.”

Marissa waited for Dice to acknowledge that she understood the elders commands before heading into the house to gather her things, all the while hoping that Joseph would be no where close to be found until she was ready to inform him of her departure.

[MidKnight]

Cross made his way to "Da Club" and as he made his entry, techno music was raven the place, he looked around. Everone was jumping up and down, throwing their bodies everywhere like crazy. The DJ was in his place, playing all sorts of music and rhyming while he was in his pedastal, waving his arms up and down with the others.

He moved into the crowd, they were taking up his space, he had to force his way through. Cross could smell different aromas from everybody, cologne, hair spray, perfume, even hair gel. He doesn't show any disgust of the humans smell, one human male bumped into him, the human turns around and says two words, "Watch it." Feeling threaten, Cross grabs his shoulder, "Hey you watch it." he replies to him.

The human rises his arms up, ready for a fight, "Whatchu say?" he says with a angered voice. Cross comes up to his face, "If you want to stay in here, I suggest you back off." Other bouncers came up behind Cross, almost his height. The angry dancer stepped away and pointed at Cross and make a few bad remarks of how he was gonna get him. "Cross, the boss wants to see you." Cross sighs and heads to the backstage area.

When he reached back stage, alright A.J. was there, waiting for him, "Hey Cross, where you been? the boss was asking for you man." he cuffs his hands with Cross, "Hey I've been busy alright, know what the boss wants with me?" he asks, "I have no idea, you gotta go see for yourself." Cross looks up at the office, the boss was watching the people dancing, lncluding the party dancers and the DJ as well. Cross follows several stair cases to his office.

Upon arriving to his office, the boss's door was open, he sees the boss standing in front of his window display, watching the crowd. Cross taps the door, "You needed to see me boss?" he asked him from his back, "Cross, I'm getting real tired of people trying to fight in my club." Cross tries to explain, "Boss it wasn't my fault, of the guys from the crowd bumped into and tried to rough me up and-" The boss cuts him off, "I don't want to hear it and I don't want you here anymore. I'm sorry Cross, but I can't have anymore fights in this club, the board review is coming up and if they see this and ask how many times this has happened before, questions are gonna want to be answered. Your check is on my desk, as usual amount, you've earned."

Cross sighs, he walks up to the desk and takes the check. "Like hell I do, if it wasn't for me this club would've gone down the drain years ago." Walking out of his office, he didn't hear anything else from his former boss, as he walks down, he folds the check and puts in his jacket. A.J. was still waiting down stairs, he saw Cross. "So what the boss wanted?" he asked with a surpised look on his face, "He fired me." then his expression changed to shockness. "Wait, what? why?" he tried to get answers from Cross, but Cross made his way through the crowd, then the angry guy came up to him again.

The angry guy made more comments like how he dresses how he called him a wimp. Cross stops for a moment and looks at the angry guy, he walks up to him and punches him directly in the face. The guy fells on the floor, and his buddies try to help him up, but one of them pushed another guy out of the way, and then a fight broke out. Cross had a smile on his face, and walks out of the fighting crowd.

Walking out of the club, he could hear A.J. calling him from behind, "Cross wait man, why did the boss fired you? and why did you hit that guy? you know our rules we can't hit anybody from the crowd." Cross stops and turns around, "He fire'd me, gave me my last check." A.J. had a blank look on his face, "But why?" Still confused, "The Board of Review is coming here and he wanted to make this place look good, WITHOUT any fights, well, let them be the judge of what they heard of what happened here." A.J. sighs, his fingers goes through his hair, "Well what you gonna do now?"

"I don't know, look for another job." he shakes his head couple of times, A.J. looks around with his eyes, "Well look, there is this chick and sometimes she give odd jobs for anyone, and not anything like perveted ok? here, here's her number in case if you need a job or something. Sometimes she'll ask a favor from you, but it ain't nothing interesting." A.J. hands Cross a piece of paper with a number on it, "Who is she?" he asks, and A.J. shrugs at his question, "The hell if I know man, but there is one thing I do know about this woman. She IS HOT!" Cross chuckles, "Well it's not her hottness I'm worried about, its the money." Cross walks away stuffing the paper in his pocket.

[Shin.Aether]

While sitting down at the counter on his bar stool Sol quietly sat in his own spot. Reading a very convincing art of literature for himself. The Television was on though, for what few silent shady customers themselves stayed in the confines of the sanctuary. Since Sol himself was not the least bit interested in commercials, or human shows. At the opposite he did have a knack for reading human stories of fantasy.

Ark turned another page of the Temple of the Winds, by one Terry Goodkind. While there were no more then a handful of vampires inside. Mostly due to the offhand alley this establishment was at. But people knew this spot as a Arcady's by reputation and himself. A group of young vampires came in through the front door. Two of them looked newly embraced, while they walked in with two astonishingly young teenage girls.

Of course this raised an alert on Sol's face as he eyed the blond haired, and auburn haired teenagers. Putting his bookmark in his novel, Sol stood up and smiled at the two young ladies.

"Hello may I ask for your I.D. cards misses?"

Looking over at them both they seemed squeemish at first. Then they ruffled through their purses and fished out school i.d.'s. Sol shook his head after seeing these girls were freshmen. He handed them back the cards, then vaulted over the counter with great agility.

"Now I want you two young ladies to seperate from these two, and leave. If you ever come back here, I'll kill you."

The girls looked at him half serious half unsure. Before Sol moved closer and smiled with venom in his lips. He suddenly punched the two young men, one left hand one right hand. Knocking them down as he threatenly charged the two women. As they screamed and ran away Sol grabbed the two men by their ties as he would head to his private study.

Throwing them inside against the ground with a loud thud. Sol stepped near his desk and tapped his foot twice on a corner of panel. When all of a sudden the crimson carpet fell in with the two newly embraced vampires. Believe it or not down the trap hole was a silver reinforced lead bottom tube. Traveling about forty feet underground.

Sol stood near the edge as one of the hole began to close. He spat on one of them as his voice boomed.

"DON'T YOU DARE FORGET THE RULES, AS NEWLY EMBRACED YOU ARE FORBIDDEN TO SIRE TEENAGERS!!! YOUR PUNISHMENT FOR YOUR TRANSGRESSIONS IS A WEEK IN THE PIT!

Shaking his head Sol replaced the carpet and threw one over the pit. As the top clicked into place hydrolicially. A snap could be heard as Sol walked out his study whilst closing the door behind him. He walked back and prepaired another crystal of some of his more aged blood wine. Then turned looking over to the phone nearby seeing no message. He waited for Davan to check his progress. He was merely here to hold down the fort and security purposes. Of course he had a red line leading directly to the Elders Chamber. Should anything to terrible should occur.

Sol would be brutal to the Lycan who came here to disturb his peace. And would brutalize the furry dog until he begged him to kill him. His eyes flickered over towards his favorite book series. With a hand he picked it up and wait a while longer. Many of the patrons themselves were comfortable here. Knowing many of these patrons have been with him for centuries. There was little to talk about, Sol's position hadn't changed for centuries. He was the propriator and they knew his line of work. But at the same time they could smell a human from a mile away to warn him. In case he should be discovered.

[MidKnight]

Cross sighs as he rubs the back of his neck to relieve the pain and head ache that has been giving him a hard time about. He was walking on the side walk for a couple of hours, thinking about calling the number A.J. called. But he didn't bother about it until later. While he was walking, he saw some young girls running down the opposite side walk. He watched them as they ran, they had the terrified, horror look upon them. Shaking his head, the girls must've saw something creepy like a phedophale or something.

Continues to walk, Cross sees a bar up the street. The bar looked a little familier, but it wasn't in any of his memory. Taking a deep breath, Cross heads over to the bar, there were several patrons outside, smoking cigerrates or cigars. He walks inside the bar, he could smell all sorts of scents in the building, looking around there were a few guys at the bar counter, others at small tables and booths. Cross goes to the counter.

He knows he can't drink any liquid of anything, but he manages to consume alcohol. He orders a beer, the bartender gives him a bottle of budweiser, Cross takes a few drinks from the bottle. But something was odd about this place, like it felt like a trap or something, it just didn't felt right. Sitting there with a beer bottle in his hand, he felt like being watched, so he didn't bother by turning around to look.

[Auki]

Like the opposite sides of the same coin; a phrase Acacia had often heard describe her and her mate. They were both pissed off at the news, but whereas she tried to control her anger, he expressed it freely, not caring about the cautious glances he received from the more wary non-lycan patrons. Listening as Leon and the Betas conversed, she rubbed her tired eyes with her fingers. Her suppressed emotions, frustration and disappointment boiling together, were displayed only through her lengthened nails and the pale amber nature of her irises, safely hidden behind closed eyelids.

They were risking so much, dabbling in politics that shouldn’t concern them. None of their pack would be safe if they became targets for the enemy – Just leaving the cubs where she couldn’t see them sent an uncomfortable itching down her spine. They’d be fine here, wouldn’t they? There was no need for her to worry. She couldn’t help but feel a little overprotective about them.

But there were reasons for that; reasons she’d never even confided to Leon. She wished she could have the courage to tell him but… Well, even she couldn’t comprehend how he’d react. She never wanted to be a disappointment to him.

Aware that her eyes had returned to their usual dark colour, she opened her eyes as Leon finished his speech, “…hands would be too much to take." “Well, we might as well have one more adventure before we settle down,” she muttered, somewhat cynically. Standing, she walked around Leon to pick up his mug, twiddling with the empty stein in her hand. “I think I should go refill this, aye?” She murmured, swirling the last few drops in the bottom. It was then she noticed how her mate’s hands were pressed a little too firmly against the table – Without thought, she reached with her free hand and tugged gently at his hair. It was not a conscious gesture; throughout their marriage, it had been her way of telling him to calm himself down. Now, she did it by instinct. After all, she didn’t want to damage the table any further just because he forgot his own strength. The deep gashes in the woodwork already made her frown.

Remembering the mug in her hand, she kept her promise and made her way towards the bar, humming a tune to herself to distract her thoughts from the upcoming morning. Despite her nature and lifestyle, her taste in music seemed to differ from the norm in her pack. She kept her preferences well hidden however – Leon knew, of course, but she often felt he was mocking her whenever it was mentioned. She didn’t enjoy being a fan of theatre music; she just felt it gave her more of a perspective of life than the biker chick stuff she felt she was expected to listen to. Placing the mug on the counter, she requested for it to be refilled, allowing herself a small sigh.

I love you because you’re not the person I dreamt of…
I love you because you make me feel like a fool.
You don't do what’s expected…
You're handed a rule and it’s simply rejected.
And it's easy to say; "I love you anyway"
But I don't.

I love you, because.

She remember singing that song to Leon, a few weeks after their engagement – No matter how much she’d meant the words, she hadn’t been able to keep a serious face whilst singing them. For that matter, neither had he. Something about that moment had tickled them; the reason lost in forgotten memories.

I love you because you're not the person I dreamed of at all.
I love you because you pushed me in a direction that I thought was lost...

They had been simpler times, even though they seemed like such a struggle when she was living them. Back then, she’d never expected to end up like this – Their destination of their own territory had seemed more than achievable. All these years later and she was battle-worn and weary, half-suspecting she would be dead before the pack found its home. Nevertheless, the things she had experienced had made her a stronger, probably better person – Leon himself had helped most of all in giving her determination and strength.

She received the filled mug with a small smile and returned to the table, gracefully sipping its contents. She didn’t sit back down, instead standing beside her husband, taking a slightly larger gulp of beer before placing the stein in front of him.

[Anne Bonny]

The dry, warm smell of her cigarette contrasted pleasently with the bite of the cold night air as Lilith leaned up against a brick wall. Morgan had said she would be down from her apartment in a few minutes, and while the vampiress was anxious to get on the road and meet this Leon, waiting for her friend was a pause she was willing to make.

And what a dear friend Morgan was, too. Pehaps they seemed an odd pair; Lilith with her elegance and Morgan with her spunk. But the two had become fast friends almost upon meeting and had remained that way since. If anyone ever asked what made them so close, Lilith would simply smile and reply, "Morgan keeps me young." Quite a statement for an immortal.

There was a creek of a door to her right and Lilith turned to see her fellow Valentine clanswoman bounding out to meet her. After deftly dropping the cigarette and quickly squashing it with a black rider's boot, the dark haired vampire embraced her friend with a grin.

"Ready to go have some fun?" Lilith asked when she pulled away.

-------

After greetings and some small talk about what each other have been up to, the conversation turned to the mission ahead. "We're to assist this Wulfschild with his mission, whatever that may be," Lilith explained as she gazed over the steering wheel at the road ahead. She paused, concidering her next words. "But also make sure he doesn't... deviate from it."

The statement was offered with a wry smile, and she was certain that Morgan would know what she meant.

Suddenly, another thought sprung into her mind. "Be a dear and hand me my phone, will you Morgan? I think we'll invite someone one of our brothers along too. Someone who might be able to relate a little more with our new friend Leon."

[Heirosyth]

Lucius rose from the plush, extravagant silks of a king sized bed in the shape of a spade, bedecked in royal midnight sheets, shimmering with all the sleekness of slippery black ice. The decorum of the lavish room suited the Vampire Elder of Clan Conzetta perfectly. With simple spoken command, the wall-lamps dimly illuminated his path through the penthouse suite in a successive array of wan torches that threw off cool flames kept silent and caged behind glass exteriors. The golden, curly hair of the Vampire Lord was tucked back into a messy tail that draped down over his shoulders as he passed with the silent grace of a panther into the now illuminated chamber wherein motion sensors detected his presence and an artificial voice greeted him: "Welcome to the Executive Chamber of your suite, Mr. Peterson."

Of course he wasn't using his real name...

The bedroom descended back into shadow as the torches obediently snuffed out in the same order they jumped to life, concealing the shifting movements of at least two curvacious figures beneath the sheets who stirred no more than whispers in the night. Their sighs complimented the serene darkness of the bedroom chamber that was illuminated now only by the glow of lights from the city below.

"Access email and voice messages," Lucius casually commanded, passing thence into the kitchenette that could've doubled as a classy private bar, passing his pale, flawless hand in front of the wall panel sensors. The elegant wooden panels slide back with a soft hiss and liquid smooth motion, revealing a selection of liquor that would've passed for El Dorado to your common bartender. Wrapping his regal fingers with grace around the neck of a bottle of black Chianti grown from the Tuscany region where he grew up all those years ago, he effortlessly removed the cork and poured it into a crystal clear glass specifically shaped for red wine. He did not, as some uncouth commoners do, fill the glass to the brim; wisely filling it only about a third of the way with an even flow, and setting it down to breathe while he proceeded back into the "Executive Chamber".

"Mr. Peterson," the artificial feminine voice greeted him again in its suave tone, "you have three messages waiting for you. Would you like to hear them now?"

"Please," the Lord replied in an eloquent voice.

"Message Number One. To Whom It May Concern, informants have detected new movement from Sanguine and Bravado clan members via informational channels. Your suggestion of extra surveillence regarding the Clan conflict last week was well-advised and has paid off in the retrieval of this information. The Council thanks you. End of Message."

"Next Message. To Whom It May Concern, Clan Valentine involvement suspected. Asking price for information."

"How much?" Lucius inquired with interest, sipping now upon his Rocca Delle Macie Chianti Classico Riserva di Fizzano '99 with deep satisfaction.

"Twenty thousand American dollars," the artificial intelligence replied.

"Transfer from the Greenwich account, highest encryption, passcode authorization Alpha-Bravo-Rico-Alpha, to be changed in one hour."

After a moment of silence, the voice confirmed the transaction, "Payment processed into the recipient's account. Information downloading."

Another moment of silence. "Information downloaded successfully. Top Member assigned to Clan Valintine activity, name: Capo Lilith Jira. Sources indicate additional possible involvement of other members, including codename 'Morgan". Information indicates interaction with Clan Bravado. End of Message."

"Mmm... Lilith..." Lucius murmured with a smirk. "What are you up to, I wonder?"

"Next Message. To Whom It May Concern, Lycan Pack involvement confirmed for Clan Bravado. Possible Destination: Denver, Colorado. Reason: Unknown at this time. Pack Leader: Leon Wulfschild, alias Panzer, alias White Scar."

"Request additional information on Leon Wulfschild," the Lord replied in a stately tone.

"Information Request Fee: four thousand American dollars."

"Mm," Lucius answered with raised eyebrows, "Cheap. Pay it."

"Information Transaction being Processed. Please wait."

"Information Transaction Complete. Information Downloaded.

Name: Leon Wulfschild, Panzer, White Scar
Age: 91
Gender: Male
Height: 6'8.5" / 13'6.9"
Tattoo - on his right side
Weight: 296 pounds / 3 tons
Has a pale scar on the left side of his face. Similar pale scars on chest.
Clan: Clan Bravado
Birth Moon: Full Moon
Weapon of Choice: Prefers a Smith and Wesson 500 and/or a sawed off shotgun.
Rank: Alpha
Relations: Current mate, Acacia Rios."

"Big boy," commented Lucius with an arch of his right eyebrow. "Delete all Messages."

"Messages deleted. Next command?"

"Send to 'Council of Twelve'. Highest Encryption.

Retrieve information on involvement and movements of Clans Sanguine and Arzano; Member involvement, identification, objectives, locations and destinations. Search for movements to Denver Colorado, and orders given for members to translocate there. Information must be ready for transfer within one hour. Start bidding at five thousand American dollars. Send Message High Priority."

"Message sent. Next command?"

Lord Lazario sipped at his Chianti, savoring its potent, dry flavors. "Buy First Class Tickets to Denver, under the name Marcus A. Rahleigh. Make reservations at the Ritz-Carlton for an Executive Suite. Book the first flight at dawn on the most affordable airline."

"Transaction Pending. Next command?"

"Private Message to the following Informants: "White Lotus", "Night Cab", "Veiled Whispers," and "Money is Time." Highest Encryption. Five thousand dollar payment for accomodations on Leon Wulfschild, Lilith Jira, and known accomplices and relations in the Denver metro-area for the next seven days. Check under all aliases. If located, extend offer in the traditional fashion (anonymous letter composed in forged, handwritten classical script in crimson ink) for "supplies" or other "material assistence". Use secret Drop Box Locations for local area for positive responses; instruct that letter will fade on its own in 24 hours if response is negative; no need for drop. Send Message."

"That should get their attention," the Vampire Elder muttered.

"Message Sent. Next command?"

"Request Vincent's Cleaning Service to the room in an hour," Lucius ordered, finishing the last drops of his glass with relish.

"Request sent. Cleaners will be arriving within the hour."

"Deactivate and erase all records; reformat memory drives and load up false history selection number seven." Lucius smirked at that. "Number seven" was filled with casual pornography sites; nothing illegal, but naughty enough to be commonplace in the histories of hundreds of thousands of internet users.

"Operation Iniatiated. Goodbye."

With that, Lucius strode back the hallway in his shimmering black silk robe, proceeding into the bedroom where his "company" now lay deep asleep with smiles upon their lips; their cheeks flushed with the glow of forbidden pleasure. But all such rich delights came with a price, and the more forbidden the fruit, the steeper the cost.

The Lord descended upon the well-endowed brunette whose assets were only barely covered by the sleek silk sheet, and enshrouded in his robe. Leaning in close, his warm breath smelling of strong red wine, he disturbed her from her nap with slow, pressing hungry kisses upon her shoulder that crept slowly towards her neck. She bared it to him with sleepy willingness, gasping softly as he pressed his lips to her warm, smooth flesh, and sucked upon its scented taste. His fingers laced gently, gracefully with hers and interlockes both of his hands as he settled down on top of her. She turned enough to offer her sultry body to him once more, but his hunger was far different now than it had been to that which consumed him earlier this evening...

Without warning, his fingers pressed her hands and arms firmly and forcefully to the bed, and now he opened his mouth and penetrated the rhythmically rising and falling artery in her neck with his piercing fangs, drawing a sharp cry and deep gasp of astonished surprise and pain from his prey. Remorselessly pinning her down so that her struggles came to nothing, he drank deeply and voraciously, throwing all restraint to the wind as he drained the blood from her body at a violent rate. She shook and trembled, her eyes going wide and fluttering, her cries indistinguishable from those of a woman in the throes of passion, so the other "company" thought nothing of it, and turned over without regard for what was occurring right next to her in bed. A few more gulps and shaking convulsions and the prey lay still, her body now but a withered and empty husk, as her predator drank the last drops, pulling away in a fever of ecstasy that flushed his cheeks fully.

Arching up, his eyes rolling back, he licked his lips like a sated lion, and savored the last drops of her soul upon his tongue. In the next moment, he recovered from his reverie, and eyed the blonde next to the corpse lying beneath him now. How delicious, Lucius thought.

With an equal amount of futile struggle, he devoured her life as well, though she managed to actually get off a piercing scream. Too bad the walls were thick with insulation. Lucius, brimming full with the blood of two luscious women, rose from his bed of death now, and clothed himself in the finery one might expcet from a gambling businessman looking to spend the company's fortune at the card tables and on televised sports. Taking the swift elevator down to the casino floors, he snapped up a class of Jack and Coke from a passing, scantily clad waitress and proceeded to the Poker tables in a sharp Armani suit, wearing rose-colored glasses and looking as well-fed and sleek as an Epicurean hog.

"Pleasure to have you join us Mister..." the dealer began with a crooked smile.

"Rahleigh, Mr. Rahleigh," Lucius replied with an equally crooked half-grin, showing off a bit of glimmering white to the young lady in the sparkling, gaudy dress and diamonds sitting two seats to the left. "Mmm," Lucius purred instinctively, "the pleasure is certainly all mine." He gave her a wink and she blushed and smiled glamorously in return, appreciative of his sudden attention.

He would go on to win (or "steal" according to some of the disgruntled would-be losers who played through the night into the breaking dawn) over fifty-thousand dollars before leaving the Bellagio's grandiose atmosphere.

But not before leaving that wealthy courtesan with a smile on her lips and little else besides in her very own suite just five hours later...

Carpe nocte, indeed.

[Shin.Aether]

Sol had ignored the new patron mostly, allowing the bartender he'd appointed to serve him. Though he seemed indespensibly enthralled in the book he was reading. A curious glance over at Cross caught his attention for some inexplicable reason. He seemed to be fretting over something that all in all didn't need his frustrations. Standing up as Sol put the book down, he stepped over to Cross and eyed him.

"You look like the kind of man who needs a job. Mind indulging an old mans inquerries?"

As Sol wandered to his Study in the back of the establishment. He would lead Cross into a room adorned with an old stone fireplace. An old Cherry Oak desk, with simple candles, and only one lamp inside. About was a few file cabinets, letters, and envelopes adorned with the seal of Sanguine. To the right was another door that remained locked. Outside the room had a pristene view of the night sky.

"I don't know whether or not you keep up with inter clan interactions. But lately if you hadn't notticed there is a war on the horrizon. And needless to say there are people out there who want to profit from it. Just as well, I have need of knowledge pertaining to a certain thought to be extinct Lycan. Of course you may have never heard of this before, but rest assured it exists."

Sol pulled out his private stock of Blood Wine and two crystals setting them out. Leveling off both glasses three fourths the way up, he lifted his glass and sipped.

"The breed I speak of is known by vampires as that of Grey Wolf. They were originally Eastern European Breed. Of course those relatives were all exterminated. However by the 1770's, vampires were shocked to find out that the Grey Wolf's were already in abundance here in America. Of course you never find these things out in the history books."

"As someone who would have lived to exterminate these overgrown fur balls. But to my point specifically, I had my theories that these Grey Wolf still thrive today. Of course this is bad news for all vampires. Not just the Sanguine or the other clans, they are brutal killers in every sense of the word. Even regular Lycans fear the wrath of the grey wolf."

Opening a nearby desk drawer a pencilled photo was taken out an unfolded. Within was a very carefully drawn picture of a certain Werewolf behemoth. Most like drawn at a time there were no photographic instruments.

"I drew a potrait of a Lycan that had attacked when I was younger. Of course he attacked and it took everything I had just to gut the beasts heart. You can see in many ways how these Grey Wolf are even stronger and ferocious then normals. They also exhibit an intellect that is only rivaled by the smartest vampires. My point is, a certain area around Denver is home to these Lycans."

"Of whom I am certain they survived the elder ordered extermination. What I need from you should you accept it, is information about the clan size, and if there are any Grey Wolf's present. Any information you provide me will increase the amount of payment I give you for your work. And another thing I want you to watch out for, is if a Lycan Female is with child. If she is carrying the Grey Wolf's offspring we have a problem."

Sol stood there quietly reaching into his suit jacket for some money. Pulling out a bundle of bills, he counted out four thousand dollars. And looked over to Cross before he thought of an appropriate price.

"You look like a professional, so how about four thousand up front. And another six thousand when I get the information. Oh and just as well, I would prefer any information you retrieve to go through letters only. I don't keep computers here and consider them unsafe. Either way be careful, information venders all around will be sniffing for intel. If there really are grey wolf's alive, you do this for us and we'll consider your ongoing collaboration with the Sanguine."

[MidKnight]

Cross rubs his chin when the stranger came up to him and offered a job, the job was simple, feed him info about how the lycans are organized, and who is Grey wolf's mate. Cross takes a deep breath and sighs slightly, he takes another drink from the cold beer in his hand. He takes one look at the man, usually at this point he would spit in his face and tell him to piss off. But he saw opportunity here.

"How would you come to known that I am a lycan is beyond me, sure you can smell us, but identifying us is hard to see, by the looks of you I'm guessing you been around here for quite some time haven't you?"

He takes another sip, looking at the money and sets the beer down, "I can feed you information of how the lycans move and how they are organized, but I can't promise you anything about Grey wolf, or his mate or his child. For you see, Grey wolf sends his....own personal clan keepers. And if am right, only they know about Grey wolf, but they too are to find out about. One thing about them is they keep their identity a secret from all of us. There are few clans I can find, but I have to rise myself in their ranks."

[StormWolf]

The Pack Alpha grunted as he felt his wife tug sharply at his thick head of hair. He could only smile, he could never stay mad at her over anything. Watching her walk to the bar, he pursed his lips and gave a loud wolf-whistle.

"It's a shame you have to sit on something so pretty." Leon called to his mate, smiling after her as he commented her backside. Acacia's trick had done the job, Leon's eyes were back to their cutting blue color and his claws reverted back into nails. He spaced as we watched his beloved at the bar. His gaze drifting slowly to the pups' table, then back to her. This was why he faught, why he killed, and why he would never stop until he kept his promise. Leon had a purpose. He was their leader and he was Acacia's husband. To both he gave them the same promise. If the Clans wanted to stand in the way, Leon would tear them all down if he had too.

Acacia handing him the refilled stien snapped the Alpha back to the now. He smiled up at her as she stood behind him, allowing himself to rest his head against her slim belly. He was tired. He hadn't slept in over three weeks, but with the thoughts of his beautiful mate filling his head, he was considering losing one more night of sleep as long as it was with her.

Leon and Acacia took turns with the stien, letting the tingling warmth of the dark brew settle in their bellies. Once the hearty glass was empty, Leon stood and wrapped a thick arm around his mate's waist.

"We move out in the morning." he called to the rest of the Pack, now the majority of the patrons. The Alpha escorted his mate to the room Grace had prepaired for them, unlocking the door with the provided key.

Once they were both inside, Leon removed his leather vest, exposing his muscled chest, built and toned to physical perfection. Jagged white scars marked him everywhere. The largest was the massive claw scar that stretched from his scapula, over his shoulder, and onto his left pectoral. That scar was his badge of honor. He suffered that wound from the elder Lycan before him for the title of Alpha. The other elders were not suprised, saying that they expected no less from someone of Leon's bloodline.

Removing the rest of his clothing, Leon walked behind his mate and wrapped his thick arms around her, his hands resting on her waist. The light of the moon that spilled through the window projected pale blue highlights all over his bare body, which was built just like his chest. He kissed his mate's neck, growling sensually in her ear.

"Acacia, starting tomarrow, we may not have a chance to do this for quite some time. I don't know where our new path is taking us, and that.... that scares me. I know that I am not the best mate in the world, but God knows I try. I know you deserve so much better than what I can give, but the fact that you are still here with me means the world to me." Leon spoke softly into his mate's ear inbetween kisses he planted on her neck and shoulder.

"You are what my heart beats for, darlin'... I will always love you.... forever (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9tWUQhJoHg)."

[Auki]

Acacia melted back against his naked body, head leaning against his chest, enjoying the sensation of his lips on her skin. She unzipped her leather jacket absently, smoothly pulling it off behind her so it fell at his feet, careful not to elbow him as she did so. She didn’t want to disrupt his kisses after all. With the jacket removed, she was left only in her lingerie and trousers that hugged each of her curves in a way she loved. However, she decided he could be the one to take them off.

The last few hours had been an emotional strain; thankfully, the beer had taken the edge off the disappointment that had been dwelling inside her. Even with Leon’s arm around her waist, it had seemed that slight bit harder to climb the stairs in a straight line. She was only slightly tipsy but it helped her disregard her apprehension and anxiety. This might be their last chance together; she couldn’t spend it worrying.

She twisted her arms up and around his neck, pulling him closer, listening intently to his whispered words.

“…forever.”

She repeated the word softly, in agreement, her fingers absently playing with his hair. “…In sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, through the good and the bad… Remember? I promised to stay by your side through anything. I’ve never once regretted making them vows.” Her words were murmured; she found it impossible to take a stronger tone. Soft, amber eyes glimmered in the moonlight that seemed to illuminate the room, a mixture of love and lust filling her body. Heightened senses made the growls in her ear and the kisses across her collarbone all the more exciting – She subconsciously rose onto the tips of her toes, allowing him to reach further down her body.

The two of them had been all the more passionate of late, probably due to fact she was in heat; as she always was around this time of winter. Her scent seemed to make Leon twice as loving, and twice as bold, as he usually was. This was the first time they’d truly been able to spend a night undisturbed. She flinched when he kissed upon a particularly prominent scar, a flash of self-consciousness causing her to tense. Turning to face him, she smiled, fangs beginning to show as her emotions grew in strength. She half-went to say something but stopped herself. Pausing, she ran a finger down his muscular chest,

“Te amaré por siempre…I shall love you forever…” She murmured, looking up into his eyes. Holding the gaze for a moment, she allowed her eyes to wander further down and gave a small purr of appreciation. Despite their genuineness, the words hadn’t been what she planned to say; however, there were secrets better left for another day.

[Heirosyth]

Music man, play some Natalie Merchant, Carnival, if you please. (http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xzhig_natalie-merchant-carnival_music)

The sun had not yet crept over the horizon when Marcus Rahleigh, elder financial consultant and high ranking senior business partner at JP Morgan, (though soon to be retired), boarded Flight 547 bound for Denver. He was among the first--a "gold class" customer, according to Southwest Airlines--and, beneath the black slip of Night's now discarded dress laying haphazardly upon the bed of the world as so many do upon the floors of various rooms and hotels at this very hour, contentedly took his seat, and lazily peered out of the portal to the world of darkness and lights beyond.

The jet prepared its roaring engines for takeoff upon the runway thirty minutes later, and with a few more clearance checks from the control tower leading to a final, positive "go ahead" command, jolting its passengers back as it bolted across the tarmac and leaped into the illuminated darkness with all the power of a great white thoroughbred vaulting a hurdle upon an equestrian course. Upon the bouyant sensation of its thunderous wings, "Marcus" the businessman gazed upon the gaudy, shameless jewel of Vegas, smirking almost imperceptably to himself.

The Strip was lit up like a showdancer, with all the garish dazzling sparkles of her dress vying for attention in clusters, fighting for a longing glimpse from the eyes of her watchful audience. Her assets thrust up into the night sky ostentatiously, prominantly demanding and commanding attention with their blazing glow and rapturous presence. Subtlety was one concept Vegas simply didn't understand nor have any care for as she danced and flaunted her routine shamelessly before the eyes of all passersby. She wanted their attention, and instead of playing coy as some ladies are taught, she walked right up and grabbed the tie of her prey, wrenching him in for a kiss that was a blunt and direct as it was overdone and violent.

And she only took as much as she could before discarding them just as abruptly, with nary a pout, before pouncing on her next victim; leaving them drained, dishevelled husks of their once flush selves. Lucius smirked; he understood her well, for he had followed her example this night.

As the dazzling lights of Vegas danced slowly away from Lucius while his plane climbed higher, he descended into memory, of a gorgeous evening in a ballroom, complete with chandeliers and elegant golden lamps mounted upon the walls, throwing off their electric light to the ceiling, even as the "Clef Club" jazz orchestra played their upbeat swing melodies and blues rhythms for the party-goers at the festive Savoy Ballroom in New York. The year was 1916, and those years would forever be marked in Lucius's mind as the era of the "Great War", big ships, an undaunted sense of "progress"--no matter the cost! Indeed, the biggest ship to sail, known the world over as the Titanic had sunk upon its maiden voyage, but four years earlier, and the Panama Canal, started by Teddy Roosevelt and his Rough Rider agenda, was finally completed a mere two years prior just in time for the Archduke Franz Ferdinand to be assassinated in his car, touching off the "Great War" that the world was embroiled in the midst of on that cold night at the end of October 1916. Lucius couldn't help but be amused at the grand irony of these events; how great progress went hand-in-hand with great disaster.

Twas of course the way of things. Woodrow Wilson was running for reelection on the slogan that he "kept us out of the war!" Ha-ha. How short-sighted that would soon prove to be, every bit as much as the declaration that this particular "Great War" would end all wars! "Hehehe," the elder Vampire Lord of Conzetta chuckled to himself. How could such an ageless being, full of the experience of centuries not stand amused at these declarations, spoken with all the bravado and import as those bold proclamations issued forth by children playing make-believe as knights, soldiers, ladies, queens, and presidents in their backyard kingdoms.

Even so, the charms of the evening drew him away from these cynical and sardonic reflections to the starlets and beauties that accompanied the gentlemen in the sea of wealth and political nobility that swam before his eyes. He was here tonight to meet with a certain convocation of "night children" to discuss the matter of a particular Russian.

It had been lately passed down through the usual channels that Clan Valintine had a defector in its midst; a vampire who had begun ignoring and disobey clan directives in favor of his own independance. It was also rumored that he was attempted to discover a way whereby he could augment his power through the occult, and attain some kind of "demi-god" status, both among the commonors and Vampire clans alike. Of course, the ever possessive Elders couldn't simply stand by and let one of their own disobey, disrespect and potentially threaten their reign so lightly, could they?

So it was that Elders had convened and decided upon a course of action whereby it was agreed that all Clans would lend resources to stopping this individual. Truth be told, an attempt had been made previously, but the work was sloppy and ultimately ended in the banishment and execution of this hapless Lycan female, who made too bold and messy a display of her work, along with failing at her ultimate objective.

Of course, the Russian was a vampire, and therefore no easy target to kill, and now he was more wary than ever. It was decided that this time, failure would not be an option, and thus greater resources were mustered for this attempt. Valintine was willing to pay a premium for assurance this time, and Conzetta was all too happy to deliver their best--even if nobody knew exactly who it was they'd be sending.

And so here he was, wearing a thin black mustache and slicked back black hair; a suave and savvy gentleman in the business of shipping arms to Europe for their conflict in the trenches by the name Rhett Butler. Some girl by the name of Margeret Mitchell would later go on to steal that name from him for a handsome chap in a book that she would write after the passage of twenty years. Lucius had always wondered if a friend of hers was in that ballroom who patterned the character off of him; she would've been but a teenager at the time, and certainly not in the companie of such socialites in New York.

It would soon become apparent that Clan Valintine intended to match the best of any other clan with its own, as the image of a dark, svelte goddess sauntered up to the table he was seated at and placed herself down opposite of him, looking him right in the eyes with those crystal clear blues hiding behind thick lashes. She was adorned in black satin, trimmed with chiffon and machine-made lace; wrapped in a pink cummerbund of silk velvet; and finished off with a bodice lined with grosgrain and supported with whalebone. Lucius recognized the fashion design as one by Lucile and admired the selection. The lady had some taste, and obviously some upbringing as she carried herself very well, and exhibited the posture of a woman who was raised in the Victorian era that preceded the modern age.

In fact, the intel on her was very accurate in that regard. Sources had informed Lucius that Lady Lilith Jira was 21 before she was turned in the shadow of the turn of the century, and that she had never given up her upper class heritage. They also said she was quite tall, and that was true too, for she lacked nothing for height as the other ladies and gentlemen sat down at the round table; six guests in all. Lucius regarded her dark curls and fair complexion with appreciation and hidden amusement as she sat there like a dark princess out of one of Grimm's fairytales.

They called the ladies "birds" in the early 20th century because of their penchant for big wide-brimmed hats adorned with feathers, and Lilith did not disappoint, sporting a black and pink hat with a veritable plumage of feathers, possibly from a peacock, and other such rare avians, along with having a few adorn her dress in artfully designed places. The jewelry upon her fingers and neck glittered like stars upon a clear night sky out in the desert.

Lucius knew the vampire who had turned her--a roguish sort of fellow, wild and unrestrained in his careless lifestyle, representing everything that would eventually lead up to the Great Crash of 1929. As it would turn out, he would end up as many did in the time of turmoil when Fortune turned her back on all the young lads who had ridden her coattails through the "Roaring 20's". He eventually end up shot to death after a gangland shootout in Chicago in 1933. Poor bastard, but he had it coming. He would send an anonymous letter to Lilith letting her know of his fate.

Lilith was a lady in all respects, but she was young; in fact, Lucius was almost four times her age, and that made her very young in his eyes. Very young and delicious. Oh how he wanted to feast on her supple delights, but alas, she was already a creature of the night like himself. Still, while draining her was entirely out of the question, passing the nights together was not. They would embark on a forty day cruise aboard the gigantic oceanliner Bismark, thence to disembark and make for St. Petersburg, where the assassination would take place, according to the plan set forth and agreed upon by the Elders. Despite her alluring beauty, Lucius could not risk being too familiar--the girl could never know who he truly was.

He would never forget the nights he spent with her, dancing through the evening on into the dawn aboard the oceanliner, to retire on a few special occasions to her quarters. The sensations of the rocking ocean, sometimes calm, sometimes treachously stormy, matched their passion together, and he left her reluctantly with the scent of her desire upon his lips as a lingering memento of their time together.

But alas, it was his fate to make himself deliberately forgettable; and so he was--easy entertainment for her to pass the time aboard the cruise and little more. He could not risk attachment, nor memory, and so he disclosed very little about himself to her that would help her discover his true nature and identity.

When the night came, Rasputin was lured to Moika Palace, and "Rhett" supplied the firearms and poison. It was a mythical event that would have conspiracy theorists buzzing about it for ages to come, and not an easy task to perform by any means, for it took drowning the bastard to finally put him down, and even then, the Clan Elders wanted him cremated, just to make certain he was dead. Good thing, because it appeared later that Rasputin had just gone into some kind of torpor from which he would've no doubt reawoken and taken out his vengeance on more than one of them.

After these events, Rhett disappeared from her life, never to be seen again. An obit was put into the papers two years later mentioning that he had been killed in action serving in one of the final battles of the War. If she had ever been looking for him, this would put her curiosity to rest once and for all. And so, like the darkness into the breaking dawn, the memory faded into the fleeing shadows, and Lucius tiredly pulled the sleeper curtain across, blocking out the first rays of the sun as they crept into his window.

Marcus A. Rahleigh stepped out of the airport in Denver, Colorado at approximately 10:15 AM, wearing a black fedora with a gray band around its brim, hiding behind a pair of round, black shades, dressed in long black overcoat, sporting a beard and walking with a silver cane of unique design in his right hand and indistinguishable brown leather suitcase in his left and hailed a taxi.

"To the Ritz-Carlton, please," he instructed the cabbie.

As they drove to the hotel, Lucius turned on his Blackberry and found three messages waiting for him containing info on Clan Sanguine and their involvement, including info on Joseph, a Lycan by the name of Marissa DiAblique, and few other possibilities who may or may not be involved in Denver.

"So it appears that this matter of significance will be decided in the chilly mountains of Colorado," Lucius muttered to himself. "I would've preferred the beach..."

[StormWolf]

Wrapping his arms around his precious Acacia, Leon held her close to his bare body, kissing her on the top of her head. While they were in this embrace, his hands fumbled with the strap of her bra, unclasping the pesky device and discarding it on the floor beside the bed. The Aplha Male picked up his love gently and laid her on the double-bed. He trailed kisses from her lips all the way down her torso, refusing to leave any inch of her unloved by him. It was the least he could do.

Reaching the hem of her pants, Leon undid the button of her jeans and took the grip of the zipper in his teeth, unzipping her jeans that way, the scent of her unmasked heat hitting him like a freight train. It was not long before both of their bare bodies lay together on the bed, their warmth shared as their hearts danced. Leon brushed his wife's hair behind her ear, looking her in the eyes, his own the color of molten gold and glowing due to the emotional high. He had said all that he could say, he lived for her, he lived because of her, because she was all he truly loved. Leon brought himself atop his mate, succumbing to his passion and desire for her as the two Alpha's made love through the night.

***

The Next Morning - 7:00

The Pack was getting ready to leave, saying their goodbyes to their pups and to Grace and her kin. Leon walked over to the eldest male pup of the Pack, just starting to go through puberty, and thus the Awakening.

"Hey, little man." Leon said, squatting down and ruffling the boys hair. "You're gonna keep an eye on the little ones 'till I get back, right?" The boy, Scotty, nodded with a prideful smile on his face. Leon smiled back and butted heads with Scotty lightly,

"Be safe, little man." Leon said after a short pause. After saying goodbye to all of the others, the Pack got back on the road.

***
Several Hours Later - Night time

Davan and his forces had arrived too late to catch the entirity of the Pack, only the pups left behind, supposedly to keep them out of the line of fire. Joseph had given the order to kill all of the Lycans they encounter that have any connection to Leon. All of the Vampire Professionals got a message on their mobiles, including Davan. It read:

Show no restraint. Kill everyone inside. Of course, Joseph had helmet cameras insalled on the Professionals. Something about watching helpless individuals suffer have him a perverse pleasure. Upon recieving the message, some of the overly devoted Professionals cocked their weapons, taking aim on the few adults inside as well as some of the pups. With the rattle of automatic gunfire, silver slugs flew through the windows, felling a few Lycans, young and old, before the adults started to retaliate.

***

By the time Leon and his Pack had reached the rendevouz point in Denver City, it was well into the night time. The meeting place was a old lumber yard that had long since been abandoned. He had gotten notice of others coming to aid, or so it was said. So Leon waited, his senses stretched out far. His phone started ringing, but he deffered the call, he needed to be alert.

[Crypes]

Davan winced as he heard the first shots, and surprise turned to anger just as soon as he saw the first Lycan child go down from a head wound. He didn't have much time to think on it however, as the barkeep aimed her elephant gun and blew a hole in the wall he was just standing in front of. Crouched behind a table, Davan considered his options in a flash. Kill helpless children? No. Fire on subordinates? Better, but not much. Give some fucking orders? There we go! Davan quickly remembered his military training in Russia. One of his favorite lessons was the one that taught him to increase the volume of his voice. Not only intimidating, but useful for getting someone's attention.

Davan stood up and drew his revolver, taking a shot at the woman with the elephant gun. Not one meant to kill of course, just stun or disable. "Aim to cripple!" He shouted. "Anything with a without a weapon is to be ignored! Ignore my orders at your own peril!" He immediately took aim on a vampire that was aiming at a child and blew his head off to emphasize the point. "It's not that fucking hard to understand! We're vampires! Not barbarians!" He continued, shooting out legs and hands on the adults as he did, "Tell me, professionals, where's the fun in killing a helpless target?"

[Flex]

Alpha males and females were known for their attitudes; actually werewolves were, in general. Dice had to admit, there was something absolutely adorable about how male cubs would brawl; quest each other in order to come out on top - pride was a main component of the werewolf spirit. Probably. Marissa was very much a werewolf; she had the same brazen attitude, the fearless determination - even under Joseph’s reign of Sanguine - the man was famous for his hate of the werewolf kind - her spirit hadn’t tarnished.

Dice listened to what Marissa had to say; journey… elders… tarry along. She felt very comfortable in the almost depthless darkness. “Right…” she said, once the Alpha Female had to say. “Right,” she repeated, nodding. “Give me… give me one second,” she grinned, turning in the direction of the House of Sanguine. “I’ll be back soon,” she promised, disappearing into the night.

She ran into the house of Sanguine; giggles erupting out of her, her satchel swinging wildly by her hip. They were going on a… journey. A journey! Who would have thought… a journey. Dice recalled Marissa’s little speech; what she had said about the werewolf cubs. She glanced at the thin veil of blood running down her exquisite kimono… it seemed almost a premonition of the future. Dice had enough experience as a vampire to know that things weren’t going to be pretty.

“Oh this is a wondrous night,” Dice laughed, feeling strangely carefree as she walked into her room - she hurled her satchel onto the bed, letting it drown in the crumpled quilt. Her room was sparsely furnished; a bed, a closet, a dressing table littered with makeup and jewelry, a few reminders of China; ancient necklaces, ornate quills, photos of her parents. Dice tenderly brushed her fingers over a portrait of her mother as she made her way into the bathroom. A journey. A journey, the words seemed to reverberate in her mind.

She twirled around in the shower, letting the water hit her from all directions - it shocked her, put everything back into focus. Stepping out of the shower, she felt strangely sober - as if the high of killing the humans was slowly disappearing. Dice didn’t let it bother her; things like that never lasted long enough… and there were plenty of other opportunities in the future...

She threw apart her closet and settled for the most comfortable clothes possible; a black pair of pants and a charcoal tang-top - the sort female boxers tended to wear. The material felt very… normal… very comfortable against her skin. Over this, she chose to wear a blood-red kimono jacket. Shivering, she opened up a few windows, reaching for her sword; the weapon was still bloodied after use - she ran it under the tap, scrubbing at it gently with a flimsy cloth, slowly returning it to its previous gleam.

There was only one final thing to do; the makeup table. Dice seated herself in front of it; highlighting her eyes in black, sliding red over her lips, powdering her nose - all this resulting in a face that stared flawlessly back at her. Satisfied, she grabbed a pair of ornamental chopsticks from a ledge on the dressing table - along with her sword and satchel (she would never leave home without her laptop by her side) and, without looking back, left.

As she made her way downstairs, she pinned the ornamental chopsticks in her hair with the help of a pin cushion. Darkness sloped down the stairway; clambered over the house. Dice murmured to herself, swinging open the door of the House of Sanguine, a cool, nightly breeze welcoming her. She walked over to where Marissa was waiting; the ever-vigilant Alpha Female. “I’m back.”

[Mysteria]

A journey begun





Having agreed to meet in front of the house in exactly an hour and half and having had left Dice to ready herself, Marissa DiAblique made her way to her spacious bedroom within the walls of the luxurious House of Sanguine. Being one of the richest clans in the world had granted them all the gift of being able to dwell within such an extravagant manor home such as that which The House of Sanguine was, although some of the clan preferred to keep their own private rooms simpler, Marissa however, did not. The lush carpeting throughout the house, coupled with the magnificent colored curtains made one feel as though they had stepped out of the present and into an era of by-gone days, those of which Marissa herself was no stranger too.

First on Marissa’s agenda was to call down to one of the attendants and ask to have her motorcycle parked back into the garage. She had decided that to drive would take too long and had opted instead to travel by the private plane reserved for Sanguine members when the need arose. She also made a call to the pilot whom was on call to have him arrange for the plane to be at the ready within the next hour and half. After having made a call to make arrangements to have a chauffeur available to drop them off at the private air field and also to have one meet them upon their arrival in Denver, her last call made was to make reservations at the Ritz-Carlton. She was not happy to find that the penthouse suite was already reserved, but did settle for the next best available room. The others traveling with her would all have their own private rooms, including the “hired professionals.”

Had Joseph not waited until the last minute to inform her of her task, she would have been spending her time in Denver in a better class of room. That knowledge did nothing to lessen her dislike of the pompous elder, if anything, it merely added to her distaste for him. After all, Marissa was accustomed to the finer things in life. She had not lived the past two hundred years to merely get by in life. Being a member of the Sanguine clan had afforded her the luxury of living a life such as that of which most common people would only ever be able to dream of. It was a fact that had enabled Marissa to lavish herself with the finer things in life. The lush furnishings of her bedroom were a testament to that, along with the bottles of expensive perfumes that graced her antique dresser made of the finest walnut. One needed only to peek into her matching walnut wardrobe armoire to realize that Marissa wore only the finest garments, although she did have a slight penchant for the feel of her soft supple leather items. Before Marissa had been turned, she had lived a less than wealthy existence, and now that she could live this type of life, she fully intended to exploit it to it’s fullest. She had worked hard in the Sanguine clan to become the Alpha female, and she would not be denied the finer things she was deserving of.

Marissa packed carefully for the trip. Everything that she needed was packed with care, each item meticulously folded and all other required items fashioned just so that even when checking into the hotel, they would go unnoticed. As they were traveling in a private plane, there would be no need for worrying about airport security.

Laying a deep burgundy colored low cut spaghetti strapped dress made of the finest silks offered across her bed for her to adorn later, Marissa stepped out of her clothing and into the shower. After having completed cleaning every inch of her well toned body, as she often did, she turned the hot water on fully allowing it to trickle down over her as she stood under it, lost deep in thought. She raised her hands above her head, placing them on the wall, relishing the feel of the hot water upon her glistening skin. In many ways, it was though she were still trying to wash the stench of Joseph’s having once upon a time having forced her to be intimate with him. The elder had used very ‘unconventional’ methods to get her to do his bidding. Even under the hot stream of the relaxing shower, Marissa found herself shuddering with disgust at the mere thought of the vampire elder as a chill settled over her. Quickly stepping out of the shower, Marissa shrugged off the memory and slipped into a black silken slip before drying her hair and applying her make up, finishing it to perfection with her signature mocha frost lipstick. After carefully slipping into her dress and black suede Via Spiga Parley boots, along with a quick touch of her favorite perfume ‘Evening In Paris’ deeply inhaling of the scent that took her back to her time spent with Sebastian, Marissa called for an attendant to have her bags taken to the limousine while she went to inform Joseph of her departure.

She need only follow her nose in order to find him. It had not failed her yet, as the vampire elder had a scent that was quite unmistakable, even during the daytime hours when her senses were at their weakest. She entered the room quietly as she waited for him to acknowledge her presence, all the while hoping that the devouring look in his eyes would not once again garner herself a most unwanted touch from his hand. She remained in a dimly lit area of the room as she spoke to him. “I make my departure now to do your bidding in Denver, my lord.” She spat the words out as though she had just swallowed venom, her voice unable to hide it’s loathing for the elder. Under other circumstance she might have been putting herself in a position of suffering his wrath for using that tone with him, but as it was, he was too fully absorbed in the hopeful upcoming demise of Leon Wulfschild to barely even acknowledge that he had heard her. Even upon her departure, she could still detect his scent lingering ever so lightly upon her. Perhaps it was just in her own mind, or it was her often keen sense of smell, but either way, she disliked the fact that it lingered on her skin.

Having once again joined Dice outside, the limo pulled up promptly just as had been requested and the ride to the private air strip was brief, as so also seemed to be the trip to Denver that entailed of a slight nap for Marissa while Flex chatted with the professionals that had joined them. The subsequent limo ride to the Ritz-Carlton was filled with anticipation and abuzz with speculation of their upcoming event. Upon their arrival around eleven a.m. and after having made certain that the others had gotten checked in safely, Marissa herself checked in as a diamond dealer and collector of finely crafted antique jewelry under the name of Ms. Marisol Ducaine. She wanted to get her things unpacked, perhaps even grab a light lunch before it was time to go to the lumber yard of which her contacts had informed her of Leon’s pack possibly being at. According to her sources, there would be plenty of time, they were to be there later in the evening.

Marissa was making her way to her room, when the slightest scent of a vampire caught her attention. This was however, not the overpowering, disgusting scent as that of Joseph, but slightly more subtle and indeed less offensive, but still the same, it was definitively Vampire. Her senses were sometimes her curse, but also at times, worked to her benefit. In this instance, it could serve her well.

Her dislike was not for all vampires, but to say the least, caution was of the order considering the rivalry between clans. And with her reasons for being in Denver to begin with, caution was of certainty, a necessity. She could not however, be certain that her senses were not working overtime or slightly off, as it was daytime, or that it might merely be nothing more than the scent she felt to be lingering upon her of the elder back in New York.

Despite her searching eyes, they fell only upon a slightly scruffy, but yet somewhat nice looking older gentleman from whom the scent seemed to be emanating forth from, but nonetheless, he came off as harmless enough. She chuckled to herself, as even under his wide brimmed hat and with his face half hidden behind rather large sunglasses, an underlying subtle charm could not be denied. Marissa could tell he was most likely more handsome than what he appeared to be. Marissa grinned, having to shake off the fact that she had indeed, on more than one occasion, enjoyed many a long passionate evenings with older lovers.

As with all things though, Marissa knew full well that appearances could be deceiving and not wanting to be unnecessarily rude for staring at him, with a slight nod, she flashed her pearly smile in his direction before reaching to press the elevator button to ascend to her suite.

[Auki]

Acacia squatted on the floor near Leon, growling at the ringtone that continued to pierce the silence. It had grown dark, and they were tired, but they waited. She didn’t speak however; her mate obviously had a good reason to ignore such a persistent caller; at least, if he didn’t have a good reason, she’d knock his head against a wall. No, that’s uncalled fo-… Damn it, even thinking seemed to hurt. She was never one to take kindly to illness, even if it was a simple headache. It can hardly be called simple. It’s probably stress-induced knowing my luck.

She sighed and lowered herself into a sitting position, head leaning on her knees. She had awoken that morning beside Leon, curled up next to him; upon opening her eyes, she hadn’t smiled - She had sighed, looking up at his closed eyelids with an expressionless face. The night had been what most would call perfect, but her heart still sank. She was tired and weary, their passion seeming fleeting in the light of day. How did one continue to love and lust when such stress was constantly forced upon her? She wished to be carefree but she knew what awaited them.

...And yet, she stayed by him. Through the stress, the fighting, the arguments and the complete bullshit, she stayed. Most of the time, she couldn’t explain it, nor did she want to. Sometimes it was just the way he clung to her with more passion than should be necessary. Sometimes it was just the way he appreciated every aspect of her, even those that others overlooked. Sometimes it was just knowing that when they lay together that night, he would find a way to pull her body that little bit closer to his. Exhausted with life and struggling to see the positives, she clung onto these small things as a reminder of why they were still together. At the end of the day, she was certain she wanted to spend the rest of her life with him.

A particularly sharp stab of pain to her temple made her flinch, Bloody headache.

“Babe, answer the damn phone. Please? I mean, I can take over watching for anyone approaching… for a few minutes at least, aye?”

She had moved to stand beside him, rubbing her arms against the cold, her eyes and ears alert to everything. “ You never know, it could be important.”

[Anne Bonny]

The flight had been just long enough to tire one out, and the Valentine members left the plane in want of a hot shower and some relaxation. In the privacy of her suite, Lilith helped herself to both luxuries, watching the clock all the while, waiting for the safety of darkness. She took her time dressing, deliberately eating up the minutes until it was time to leave. In the end she chose a pair of designer jeans, a fitted, v-neck black sweater, and a dark pea coat. The meeting place wasn’t far and she still had plenty of time, so Lilith decided to walk. Her clan mates would catch up when they were ready.

Denver, like any other big city, seemed to come alive at night. With the quiet tap of heeled boots on the pavement, Lilith made her way down its streets, taking in the sights as she moved. It had been years since she had been to Colorado, but it was a place nearly like any other after dark. Bars, nightclubs, loud music, girls, boys, children really, dancing, flirting…

If one could even call it flirting, Lilith thought to herself. Although having remembered the Roaring Twenties and the Free Love of the Seventies, not much surprised her anymore. The current generation was about legs and bright colors, rhinestone bunnies and cleavage. The simple allure of a mysterious smile and batted eyelashes was forgotten. Fashion was no longer about fine material or delicate detail, but rather showing the skin that lay underneath. What she wouldn’t give for the return of such elegance as a black, wide brimmed hat adorned with pale pink feathers…

The vampiress lit a cigarette as she continued on, wondering to herself why her mind should return to that hat in particular, that time in particular. But it was far from an unpleasant memory, so she allowed her mind to wander.

Was it odd that the events leading up to the assassination of Rasputin were more memorable than the murder itself? Spending forty days on the prison of a steam ship would seem to be an experience quickly shaken off and moved past. And if it hadn’t been for him, perhaps that’s exactly what Lilith would have done.

Rhett Butler, the name made her chuckle softly now, a vampire from another clan, had captured her attention at the very first dinner on board the ship, and had quietly refused to let it go. His dark eyes had lured her in at first glance. His voice, like a sip of the finest bourbon, had left her hanging on every word. When they danced he had held her politely at the appropriate distance, always the perfect gentleman. But the very touch of his fingertips communicated his intentions as clearly as if he had spoken them. Nights on the steamer were punctuated with needy moans and desperate gasps as the two gave in to their most primal of desires over and over again.

Yet a part of Rhett had stayed distant, and to this day, nearly a century later, Lilith couldn’t help but wonder why. She hid her disappointment well, but the feeling settled upon her like a fog. He had wanted her from the start, she could read that much in his wry smile. And he had certainly seemed satisfied on their nights together. But once they reached Russia, he was all business. After the assassination was carried out, he departed without a word. Lilith had searched for him once, years later, but only found a brief obituary. After that she mentally cast him aside, deciding it was for the best anyway.

But the memory still lingered… still emerged from time to time…

With a shake of her dark curls Lilith pushed her thoughts away. Here was the lumber yard, the meeting point! She had to keep her wits about her.

“Babe, answer the damn phone. Please? I mean, I can take over watching for anyone approaching… for a few minutes at least, aye?” A voice cut through the darkness. A woman’s voice, sounding slightly strained. Were the lycans preoccupied, Lilith had to wonder? They should have smelled her presence by now. Or perhaps they had, she corrected herself, and were simply waiting.

“You never know, it could be important,” the voice finished as Lilith rounded a corner and strolled into view.

“Or perhaps put it on silent?” the vampiress suggested, her lips turning upward into a smile. “Isn’t it rude to answer a phone when you have a guest?”

The moonlight illuminated the pair before her well, and Lilith was certain that the male was this Leon Wulfchild. His dark hair, scrolling tattoo down his arm, and the thin line of a scar marring that otherwise handsome face… he matched the description she was given perfectly. And the female with him had to be his mate, unless he was a great fool. A brunette, she had a figure that most mortal women would murder for and smoldering brown eyes. This must be why lycans mate for life, Lilith mused to herself.

Despite her thoughts, Lilith continued without missing a beat, introducing herself and extending a hand to Leon, then the other woman. “The clan Valentine sends it’s assistance,” she finished simply.

[Auki]

“Or perhaps put it on silent?… Isn’t it rude to answer a phone when you have a guest?”

“It might be on a similar subject to the call Adriana got yesterday,” Acacia murmured softly to her husband; the quietness of her voice was not to avoid their company hearing, but rather to avoid re-sparking Leon’s frustration at Derek’s death. She then turned to observe the vampire now in their midst, amber eyes meeting blue. She was not shocked to see the woman there; she had become more aware of the vampire as she approached. She smelt…clean – Acacia just wished she could say the same for herself. Her gaze ran over the other’s pale complexion, something akin to jealousy flashing through her mind. Why she had no idea; perhaps she envied the elegant look it gave.

Still she smiled – An ever-genuine smile as was Acacia’s nature – and waited until this…Lilith…introduced herself. She shook the extended hand firmly, pointed fangs revealed in her grin, “Acacia Rios; a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” Withdrawing her hand, she proceeded to shove both of them into her back pockets, trying not to let the chilled air around them affect her. She allowed Leon to dominate their side of the conversation – She would only need to speak to keep him in line. Other than that, he seemed more confident with people than she was.
To her husband, she was happy to be the more submissive of the pair. She was always there to provide him with guidance if he needed it but otherwise, she let him do as he pleased. Others often made the mistake of thinking she was this laid-back around her inferiors – It made her chuckle that they thought she could truly be an Alpha female was no respect from those below.

Without warning, her headache flared again and she growled a curse that was swiftly cut short. It was rare for her to swear. Heck, it was rare for her to be jealous over a stranger and still her eyes continued to be drawn towards the white skin of the new arrival.

She knew why…and she’d sworn it wouldn’t get the better of her. Thankfully, the scent of heat was managing to disguise it from Leon’s nose. What frustrated her most was that fact she was already losing control over her emotions. From now on, she would have to be careful to reign her feelings in, even around Leon. She was terrified she might snap at him for no reason.

She rolled her shoulders and sighed, shoving the pain of her head to the back of her thoughts. She never wanted to be a burden to Leon. Ever.

[Stream]

The Denver skyline came into view as the taxi Hector had been traveling in rolled into the city limits. Hector had never been used to such large cities, or being in a place this cold. His entire life had been spent in the south or in hot climates. Despite his Lycan nature and body, the cold was always bitter for him. Even though his driver had the heat blasting, the lycan couldn’t help but huddle his head into his keens and breathe onto his hands for warmth. Hector retrieved his phone out of his coat pocket, noticing several missed calls and unread text messages. Al of them had been from a fellow Valentine. A vampiress.

All calls Hector made only came to Lilith’s voicemail. He had been late to meet the others at the airport to fly into Denver, and instead decided to come by taxi. He had never been accustomed to the Valentine luxury. Being a low ranked lycan wasn’t a ticket to luxury suites and plane rides. He was only lucky enough to have Lilith paying for his hotel room. As soon as he was they were all inside of Denver, they were to meet at the predestined meeting point at an abandoned lumber yard. The business they had with the two clans would be kept completely private.

“Excuse me monsieur, I have a change of plans. Disregard what I said earlier about arriving at the hotel. I must go to a lumberyard on the east side of the cit as quickly as possible. It’s on Alameda boulevard, are you familiar with it? Please get there as quickly as possible. I have a very important meeting to catch.” The portly cab driver nodded into his mirror at Hector. The vehicle sped up towards the new meeting point. Hopefully Lilith wouldn’t be angry at his absence.

Outside of the cab window was an entirely different world. In the city there was a lot more life than what Hector remembered from the south. Several men stood on corners, most peddling illegal goods in shady deals. The homeless were huddled into sleeping bags and tattered clothing, trying to protect themselves from the blistering cold with what little they had. Hector sipped on a room temperature bottle of gatorade he had picked up several hours earlier at the beginning of his trip. He couldn’t wait to finally be able to get out and stretch his legs.

Slowly the cab came to a halt just outside of a tall, chainlink fence. The gate had been kept open slightly, most likely unlocked by the others he was going to meet. Hector slung his bag of luggage over his should, the butt of his shotgun jamming into his back. He produced a small wad of bills from his left pocket, placing it into the driver’s eager hands.

“Keep the change monsieur. I don’t got much use for it anymore. Thanks for the ride, hopefully you’ll be a bit more inclined to speak the next time.” Hector saluted with two fingers as the taxi sped away, the exhaust floating up into the air behind it. Inside of the lumber yard were several sets of footprints leading back towards a center, open area. You didn’t need to be a lycan to track the footprints towards the rendevouz. Between the wooden planks he could see the figures of humans, their voices assuring his assumption. In front of him was a pair of fellow lycans, a male and female, no doubt two Alphas of the clan Bravado. The other Valentine, Lilith, had already arrived exactly on time for the meeting. Ashamed of himself, Hector skulked into view out of the darkness of and towards the vampiress’ side, no doubt attracting the attention of the Bravado.

“Allez-vous, mademoiselle. Sorry I am late. I promise it will never happen again.” Hector kept his head low as he spoke, knowing the traditional behavior of lycans, hiding his face.

[MidKnight]

Cross takes the money from the strange man, or....vampire. "You know what? Here is my number in case you want to get in touch about some info, but call in a few days, only god knows how long it'll take for me to get this kind of information." He grabs the beer bottle and takes one last shot, chugging the entire bottle. He slams the bottle on the counter, a little crack appears on the bottom.

Leaving the bar behind, Cross finds his way back on the street, not even buzzed from one bottle. He wasn't that much of a light weight, he wiped his mouth from saliva, seeing the vampire drink his....freshment, it made Cross thirsty for blood. He had to get back to his apartment. His heart started pounding faster, he veins felt rushed with adrenaline. His vision became blurry, he reached for his cell phone to see what time it was. He couldn't figure out the number.

He remembered the piece of paper with a number on it, he had no idea who it was. He decided to make the call, pushing the number buttons, he hits dial. The phone ringed a couple of times, after a few rings, there was a voice mail. He decided to leave a message to this unknown person. "Hey this is Cross, one of your previous employees gave me this number in case of something emergency? anyways, I need a job, and I was wondering if you have anything for me to do? you can always call me back on this number." He leaves his number on the voice mail and hangs up.

Cross tries to find his way back to his apartment, but everything around him starts to become unstable, he felt like he was spinning around in circles. People walked by him with a weird shocking expression on their face, like they never seen a person hallucinating before. 'Damn humans with their nose poking into other people's business.' Cross thoughted in his head. 'Just gotta get back to the apartment.'

Staggering in his steps, he could feel he is closer to his apartment, he felt like puking up the beer he just drank recently. But each he attempted to vomit, he held it in, and swallowed the vomit, which made it worse than usual. He was ready to pass out, he felt like he was just a rave party and took wild shots of everything, but when this happens, he feels like he is on a joy ride. He mumbles some words to himself, even he couldn't hear what he was saying, he felt like he had been drugged back at the bar.

[Anne Bonny]

A quiet movement attracted her attention and Lilith turned her blue eyes to see Hector approach. The lycan almost seemed to creep through the darkness, as if hoping he could melt into it instead. She watched him with one dark eyebrow raised, but any other expression had dropped from her face.

In truth, Lilith wasn't sure what to think of Hector. She never really was. He always kept to himself, associating with other lycans if anyone at all. At least, that was her impression. The vampiress didn't put much effort into spending any sort of quality time with him.

Hector came to a halt at her side, uttering greetings to her only and an apology. True to his ranking, the Omega humbily kept his head low and didn't address the others in the group, as he answered only to Lilith for now. Something twisted in her stomach, and Lilith fought a grimace at the sight of him. Was that pity she felt? She had heard rumors that Hector had been a mighty figher as a mortal. It would truly be a waste if such talents were set aside because of shame or rank or whatever it was that kept his head low. Yet she had asked him to come along to help Leon not only for his skill, but for his loyalty to Valentine. If something went wrong with the other clan, she was certain Hector would be there to watch her back.

"Thank you for coming," she offered to Hector before turning back to face the Bravados.

Lilith shook her dark hair back from her face and resumed her polite smile, although with some effort. "This is Hector Roy, my clansman, who is also eager to help."

[StormWolf]

A wolf-toothed snarl cracked Leon's otherwise stony face, his molten-gold gaze boring holes at the two newcomers. Valentine, how quaint. He growled a sigh and ran a hand through his hair. He pulled his phone from his pocket and tossed it to an Omega of his Pack,

"Deal with that while I deal with them..." Leon said in his commanding and deep voice, his "business voice." The Bravado Alpha folded his thick arms over his chest, arms that were said to be able to break bone, splinter rock, and bend metal with ease.

"What the fuck do you want, Valentine?" He barked, displeased to say the least with a Valentine vampiress and an Omega coming unannounced.

"You know damn well that we don't need your help," he walked closer to the two new arrivals, standing beside his mate.

"Perhaps you were sent to seduce me into servitude? Give up wile you still breathe. The only other possible explanation is that you were sent to babysit me. To make sure I bend to your Clan's plans." Every word was bitter and held a deadly amount of venom.

"This all could have been avoided if the precious heir to your Clan's throne could keep her fucking legs closed." Leon spat, he knew his insult was a deep one. Valentines idolized the top brass of their society.

"This war is your Clan's mess, but you need to drag my Pack's ass in to clean up your literal fucking mess. This is the last time. You and your ilk have been nothing but trouble. After this war is over, I expect favors to be paid back." His eyes narrowed, "Are we understood?"

[MidKnight]

Still half dazed, and disoriented. Cross managed to find himself back to the steps of his apartment. Coughing and choking, he felt like he was gagging on a large piece of meat. Forcing his way back up, he crawled each step, he felt like someone throw a dust of silver in the air and the small pixie dust got caught in his nostrils and throat.

Opening the door, there was a couple saw Cross, they thought he was hurt, but then they saw he was drunk. Cross wasn't drunk enough though. They both looked at him with awe looks of disappointment, and disgust. "What the fuck are you looking at?" he said to them, the obscene sight frightens them and they made their way by Cross and out of the building.

Coughing even worse, he finds the elevator. Pressing the up button, he could hear voices in his head, about the deal he made, about getting info on Leon, the Alpha male, the leader of the Bravado clan. Still waiting for the elevator, he heard a voice coming from the darkness at the end of a hall way. He hears foot steps. Then a large shady man with a fedora hat, a large rain coat, black suit dress with a white tie, black silk suit pants, and black shoes. The tie pretty much the white feather on his hat.

"Who the hell are you now?" Cross was breathing heavy as he asked the stranger. The stranger lifted up his head, its a black man, smoking a large cigar. "Cross, you didn't had any blood tonight, why didn't you take the gorgeous girl up stairs and take her?" he puffs on the cigar and walk towards Cross, who was waiting patiently for the elevator doors to open.

"Oh yeah? and who are you?" He asked once more with a more louder voice. "Cross, I told you to drink some blood before you go somewhere, but obviously you couldn't do that. Your unreliable, untrust worthy, and pathetic. You've betrayed your clan for money. Your filthy greedy monkey." Cross quickly takes out a weapon, a silver pistol hand gun was pointed at the stranger. "You say anything, I'm gonna waste you with so much lead, your gonna-"

"Gonna what?" the stranger cuts him off. "I'm gonna have to come back from the dead?" the stranger begins laughing, a sinister laughing, a laugh Cross wouldn't forget. "Cross, you just don't get it do you?" he sighs as he got closer, and kneels down beside Cross, "I'm a figment of your hallucination." the stranger begans chuckling. Cross pulls the trigger, the gun blast echoed through the building. But the stranger looked at his chest.

There was no hole, no blood. Cross though he was dreaming, the stranger sniffed his nose a couple of times, and then coughed out a small piece of metal from his mouth to the floor. "I told you god damnit, I'm a figment of your hallucination, since you didn't had any blood, I'm gonna have to stick by you till you get your fill." the stranger takes the cigar and smokes it, puffing large smokes from the side of his mouth, they both heard a ding from the elevator. Cross looks at the doors, then back at the stranger. The stranger tilted his hat back, and looked down at Cross, "Going up?"

[Flex]

To be absolutely honest… Dice wasn’t a high class member of Sanguine. Sure, she wasn’t at the absolute bottom of the social totem pole, but she definitely wasn’t at the top - in reality, she sat at the bottom... the journey to Denver had only helped but remind her this; surrounded by high-class professionals - true members of Sanguine - she hadn’t exactly been treated as she believed she should have been.

That being said, they weren’t disrespectful, but rather… playful. Playful was definitely the word. Being as young as she was, she wasn’t expected to take the clan politics seriously - rather, she was expected to laugh frivolously, elegantly balance a glass of champagne between her index and middle fingers and worship the elderly members of the clans; there was no doubt that she was expected to perform all sorts of sexual favours as well… yeah, like there was any chance of that happening. She just so… wasn’t; she wasn’t ready to stoop that low. Not yet… and besides, there were plenty of other young females in the clan more than willing to be useful on that sort of basis. Typical Sanguine sexism, really.

So she was nestled between two higher-up male members, a glass of wine poised between her fingers and a vacuous smile lighting up her face when they finally arrived at the Ritz-Carlton. Finally. Again; finally. She felt like she had laughed enough for a life time and if excessive smiling could still hurt her - which it didn’t, her being a vampires and all - she was more than sure that her jaw would be screaming in pain. Marissa conveniently decided to awake from her “slumber” - Dice was somewhat suspicious that she had been faking the sleep; not that any of the others would dare bother the Alpha Female - the moment they arrived at the hotel; checking everyone in and then disappearing into the night.

And even then they wouldn’t leave her alone; “Hey Dicey,” some Hispanic vampire drawled - Tobias, if she remembered correctly - “come with us.” So… from being squashed between two jovial vampires in the back of a luxurious limousine, she somehow ended-up squashed between two - or was it three? - “drunk” vampires (or they were trying to get drunk anyway - little chance of that happening), surrounded by other equally smug and elderly vampires with their own pleasure slaves. Great.

Dice was looking for the best chance to make her exit; preferably before things got sexual; she really was - but there seemed to be little chance of any of that happening. Tobias and his pals had taken to hurling either appreciative or misogynistic comments (there seemed to be a balance between the two) at the skimpy Vicky Secret models strutting their way down the television screen and she was still being used as a human pillow; she had been spun around, danced with, groped and flirted with excessively; if she had felt sick of laughter before, she was basically dead now.

It was somewhat startling how quickly these vampires managed to shift into their professional, calm, businesslike personas; if, say, the Elder Console suddenly appeared in the room, it would have been impossible to say that something had ever happened… well, not from their faces, anyway. They were smart, Dice would give them that; even if after centuries of adulthood they still weren’t able to let loose the adolescent boys inside them all. Surely; after that long… surely those childhood dreams and fantasies would be no longer necessary? However the sad truth was that when you could live forever, you never really had to grow up. Not really.

Dice was finally set free by one of her fellow female vampires. Rowena; some sort of groupie goddess with auburn hair, cat eyes and a startling smile. “Hey Dice, I need to go check something with the reception, want co come?” she simpered.

Dice leapt at the opportunity. “Definitely,” she giggled, relief blossoming inside her.
“Aw come on Dice,” Tobias murmured, “don’t ruin our fun.” His grip on her shoulder tightened.

She was suddenly extremely desperate; she had come so close. So close. And now? “Oh come on, I won’t be that long,” Dice murmured, whispering the words into her ear, “silly boy,” she grinned, giggling. “I’ll come back, I promise.” Yeah, right.

She brushed her lips against Tobias’s earlobe; the innuendo working like magic – immediately his gaze softened and his grip on her loosened; he let her go. “Just come back, okay?” he said, as she made her way out of the circle of vampires.

Dice giggled playfully, running her fingers through his hair. “Of course I will.” She followed Rowena out of the room... and she was free.

[Heirosyth]

Noon.

Lucius handed a letter sealed with a red wax elegantly scripted "C" to the front desk lady, informing her that someone would be by to pick it up today and then turned away to face the lobby once more.

Dear Christ, it was too early to be up and about...

...and yet there they were--a whole party of them checking in to the Ritz as Lucius had finished his business at the check-in counter, turning around and observing the nightwalkers through the dark tint of his circular shades.

Clan Sanguine had arrived; vampires and Lycans alike. Did no one keep to the night anymore?

Most of them looked quite hung-over and very casual, but of course this could've merely been as much a part of their disguise as the clothes they worse; 'course, it was just as likely that they didn't care to begin with. After becoming a vampire or lycan, he found that most of them become more sloppy, not less so.

Among them was a particularly young vampire--though she fit in with the lower rank members that these Sanguine members obviously were--dressed in a sleek pair of form fitting black pants and a charcoal tang-top--the sort female boxers tended to wear. And then over this, she chose to wear a blood-red kimono jacket. An odd assortment of fashion choices, to be sure, but it made her easy to spot in a crowd. And then there was the sword--no, no subtlety there...

Well, there was no accounting for taste, especially with one so young.

It was then that he felt a pair of keen eyes upon him, and he shifted his gaze imperceptably to the alluringly dressed woman who stared at him. Viridian green eyes. She wore a deep burgundy colored low cut spaghetti strapped dress made of the finest silks offered over a black silken slip. Her smile was a deliciously tempting mocha frost. Her black suede Via Spiga Parley boots complimented her shapely legs, and he could distinguish her perfume--‘Evening In Paris’--from the more obtrusive and sickening common scents that mortal women tended to douse themselves with beyond all comprehension of subtlety. She dressed well enough for a vampire noble, let alone a lycan. Clearly she had taste, and enjoyed the richer desserts of life.

So what was she doing with the notorious Elder, Joseph, whose hatred and prejudice against Lycans was practically legend?

Did she smell him? Her gaze remained a fraction of a moment longer than necessary for a greeting before she flashed a smile that brightened the entire lobby, and then turned to step into the elevator.

Lucius would clearly have to wait for the answers to reveal themselves about this mysterious female. Something nagged at his memory, scratching the inside of his skull... something about her.

He waited for the elevator to close and begin to ascend before taking another himself to the penthouse suite.

As soon as he got into the room and shut the door behind him with a twist of the deadbolt, he disgarded his gray wig and beard and scratched his face, shedding his overcoat and tossing the fedora with a fluid movement that sent it effortlessly spinning through the air and come to rest on the table in the center of the living area. His shirt and pants followed; he needed a bath.

Stepping in front of a mirror, Lucius rubbed his eyes slowly, pulling fingers down over his lids, stretching them a bit as he looked in the mirror. Had he aged? Four-hundred and sixty years old, and he looked about thirty-five. He felt ten times that old. He felt like he had been alive forever. The Blackberry buzzed with a call.

"Answer it," he said out-loud. The Blackberry, programmed to accept his voice commands, did just that from half-way across the room where he had set it down with the rest of his dissheveled "costume." Padding into the luxurious full bathroom, he turned the crystal knobs unleashing a torrent of steamy hot water. He squeezed some liquid soap into the gradually filling whirlpool tub and let it bubble and foam on the rising surface.

"Night Cab, reporting in, Sire," an American-accented male voice responded as the phone picked up in the other room.

"What do you have?" Lucius called back.

"Sources indicate a meeting tonight of some kind. Local inside moles indicate an abandoned lumber yard on the edge of the city."

The Conzetta Vampire Elder Lord wondered if this was selected by the Lycans... what kind of vampire meets in an abandoned lumberyard? Christ, he missed the elegant atmosphere of Clan meetings in the past. Nobody had a kind of class anymore...

As he stepped carefully into the scolding hot water, he winced and then settled easily and slowly into its welcoming, boiling depths. Taking a folded, bleached white washcloth and soaking it in the water, he folded it over once and placed it over his eyes, allowing its damp, soothing warmth to soak into his skin as he closed his eyes and sighed deeply.

He blamed egalitarian American culture for this. In Europe, during the 17th century, at least the nobility had some sense of propriety. Now everyone just showed up in cut-off jeans and leather, carrying guns.

"Sire?"

"Yes?"

"Is there anything further you would like me to do?"

"Be sure you're at that lumberyard tonight."

"My lord."

"It might fatten your reward if you were to pick up someone going there and happened to provide evidence of that to me, later."

"Right, Sire."

"Finally, you will receive a healthy bonus if you deliver a letter that will be waiting for you at the front desk to Lilith. If she decides she needs a ride back, see to it that she gets it."

"It is done, my lord."

"You will go far, Night Cab," Lucius muttered with eloquence and a smile from beneath the washcloth.

"Just far enough to get myself something nice for Christmas this year, Sire."

Lucius had to laugh. He wished all mortals were like this one. Not overly ambitious; not interested in eternal life; and perfect for doing the work of a mouse.

And everybody underestimated the mouse.

"Be at that meeting tonight. I want as much as you can give me. If they catch you, you know what to do."

"Yes, Sire."

"Goodbye, Night Cab."

The phone made a clicking sound and beeped, signalling the end of the call. Lucius sank deeper into the whirlpool tub...

************************************************** *******

Dear Lilith,

Clan Valintine's latest mistake may prove to be its last. We fear its fate may be your own if things go ill. We offer you an escape to the security of the shadows, where you may outlive the missteps of your Elders and survive to see our nights renewed beyond this squabble of interests.

Enclosed is an electronic key to a private safebox in the Bellagio in Vegas. If you wish to accept this offer of refuge in the shadows of Clan Conzetta, you have seven days to make your intentions known.

With the acceptance of the contents inside the box, you will have agreed to transfer your loyalties and blood from Valintine to Conzetta. Once you do this, there is no going back, but the choice is and always will be yours.

We shall be waiting for your decision within the week.

An Old Acquaintence,

~RB
************************************************** *******

"Marissa DiAblique!" the Conzetta Vampire Elder Lord said outloud. That was who the Lycan female was in the lobby!

Hmmm...

He slipped on a sleek black sports jacket over a silk black collered shirt but left the top buttons undone. A man needed to breathe, after all, even if he was undead. Lucius smirked, and pulled back his dirty golden locks into a smartly glossed ponytail, and ran his hand over his now smooth face. Complimenting this outfit were dressy black slacks and shiny wingtip shoes.

And if he had gone with black dye, he might've been mistaken for Johnny Cash.

Small rectangular red spectacles rested upon the bridge of his nose, finishing off his brand new appearance with a ruby red ring on his right hand set in a thick golden band. He grabbed the Late Edition of the morning paper, delivered inside his room through the access drop in the wall, and proceeded to casually walk to the elevator, pressing the "L" button after he stepped inside.

When the elevator doors open he proceeded to the front desk and recognized the same woman from the morning, who greeted him with a smile.

"Hello, there," he said in a charming accent. "You were working right here this morning, yes?"

"Yes, sir. I've been here for most of the morning," she smiled in return. "Can I help you?"

"Yes, you can actually. I'm looking to meet up with someone. I just arrived myself, and she checked in this morning." Lucius proceeded to describe her appearance to a "T". The woman nodded and thought, putting a finger to her lips.

"Yes, yes, I do recall someone of that description checking in this morning."

"I know you likely can't give me her room number," Lucius said.

"No, sir, but I can call her if you like. I know what room she's staying in."

"No, no that won't be necessary. If you could just give her this when she comes down, that should take care of everything," Lucius said with a prize-winning smile, slipping a card across the desk.

"No problem, sir!" the woman said, "But I get off about 4 pm. Will she be down before then?"

"She should be. Here's something for your trouble," the Conzetta Lord said, slipping a Jackson across the desk.

"Oh, sir, that's not necessary!" she protested.

"Take it, I beg you. For me." He flashed her those pearly whites.

Blushing, she nodded and agreed to take it.

Lucius then proceeded to "Elway's", the in-house restaurant with the amber glow and decorative shelves of wine bottles. Once he was seated, by himself at one of those elegant square tables, he ordered a long overdue lunch at about 3 pm, and took to casually reading the paper...

The card, when turned over, would read as follows:

"Ms. DiAblique,

Your table awaits you at Elway's.

See you there."

[Mysteria]

Marissa went to her room and unpacked her belongings before settling down at the desk and taking out a pad and pen to make a few notes. The professionals that Joseph had hired didn’t settle well with her. They were hired help, not actual members of the Sanguine clan although they were treated as such, and in her opinion their frivolity was less than business like.

Next on her agenda was to call her contact and verify the time of the so called meeting in the lumber yard. Upon verification, she sent Joseph a message to inform him that they would be arriving at the lumber yard at approximately ten p.m. Marissa was still having a hard time with the fact that Joseph wanted the pups killed, and in all honesty couldn’t even understand why he was so intent upon Leon Wulfchild’s demise. After all, Leon was only doing what any Alpha male would do for his pack. He was protecting them. Perhaps it was a notion that Joseph himself couldn’t grasp, considering he was a vampire and not a Lycan. And she damned sure couldn’t understand with Josephs voracious dislike for Lycans, why on earth he would have chosen to join a group filled with Lycans. Maybe it was the way of Vampires. One elder meets with his end to be replaced by another. Had Sebastian lived, things would have remained as they were but be it as it was, Marissa’s hands were tied. She would have to do her best to uphold her position in the clan.

Having attended to the important matters, she picked up her phone and hit the speed dial for Dice. Marissa was good at delegating and having filled Dice in and directing her to meet with Marissa at ten p.m. and informing her that she would be responsible for notifying the others while Marissa attended to other more important matters, Marissa added the note not to be afraid to utilize room service if she were to get hungry and didn’t feel like going out for dinner. Marissa added before hanging up, “Remember Dice, the Clan Sanguine is one of the richest clans in the world. Being a part of the clan does have its advantageous.” She hung up with a smile on her face. Dice was young and had much to learn and although Marissa was the Alpha female, she did like Dice and she wanted her to realize that she now had the opportunity to allow her the things that came with being a Sanguine Clan member. Marissa saw great things in store for Dice’s future, even if Dice herself did not yet recognize them.


Lunch. It had been awhile since Marissa had taken any type of refreshment and the low rumbling in her stomach reminded her quickly of that fact. Although sooner or later she would inevitably be required to give into her Lycan nature and seek other “nourishment” to sustain her, she was not like some Lycan’s who preferred to do it the old fashioned way. She would only give in to that desire if she no longer could hold it off. Instead, she would dine in the Ritz-Carlton’s renowned Elway’s Restaurant.

Marissa slipped off the boots that adorned her feet and changed into a simple pair of black pumps that were much more comfortable. Leaving her suite, she went to the elevator and upon her arrival in the lobby she was stopped by the young woman who had checked the Sanguine Clan in earlier that day.

“Excuse me, Ms. Ducaine; I have a message for you” said the attendant. Marissa wondered to herself who the message could be from since anyone in Sanguine would have known how to reach her. Taking the message from the young woman she merely smiled and thanked her.

Examining the card she became even more perplexed for it simply read.


"Ms. DiAblique,

Your table awaits you at Elway's.

See you there.

Ms DiAblique? She hadn’t checked into the hotel under that name and she knew no one in Denver. Her curiosity now piqued; she made her way to the fine restaurant which was only lightly occupied. Her eyes scanned the room, and as they did so, again a smell familiar to her wafted upon the air and she had expected her gaze to fall upon the same elderly gentleman from earlier that day. Rather instead, she followed her senses to an incredibly fine looking younger gentleman seated alone with golden hair who was dressed rather smartly and very pleasingly appealing enough to hold any woman’s gaze for more than just a few moments. Not wishing to make the same mistake as she had earlier in the day, Marissa allowed her eyes to scan the entire restaurant through the subtle amber glow of the room before bringing her eyes back to his table where her dark green orbs fell upon a most intriguing ruby ring that adorned his hand. Aside from the fact that as a collector of such fine antique jewelry she recognized it to be very old, something about it stirred a memory within her. Her very own beloved Sebastian had owned and worn one very similar once upon a time, but yet, it was very distinctively different from the one she now saw in front of her. She had however, seen a ring such as the one that the man seated at the table was wearing before, many, many years ago.

Marissa thought to herself, it can’t be possible. Possibly a haunting from her past that had caught up with her? Oh, if Sebastian were only here to confirm her suspicions. Marissa was no stranger to speaking with men whom she did not know, but under these circumstances she proceeded with a great deal of caution.

In no particular hurry, Marissa sauntered up to his table and smiling softly, she spoke clearly, confidently addressing the handsome gentleman.

“Bonsoir monsieur. Please excuse the sudden interruption. I couldn’t help but notice in passing that remarkable ring that you’re wearing and also that one so refined such as yourself was dining alone. But then, where are my manners?” Marissa said, both flashing another smile and extending her hand. “My name is Marisol Ducaine, I am a collector of fine antique jewelry. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance monsieur.’ She said, her voice soft and barely above a whisper.

[Anne Bonny]

Words were easily shrugged off, and Lilith found herself staring at the Bravado Alpha with some amazement. Again, that dark eyebrow was raised as she concidered him. How would he know of her orders to keep an eye on him? Were Valentine's plans so easy to guess? So much for mystery.

But then Leon made the error of insulting the heir to the Valentine throne. A critical error, one that would have cost a lesser man his life as quickly as the words fell out of his mouth. Lilith's slim fingers curled into fists at her sides, trembling with fury. Her icy blues settled on the lycan's neck as he stood before her, at the jugular vein that buldged when he tensed. She felt the cold stab of desire, the need to feel his hot, delicious blood pouring into her mouth as Leon gasped for life...

Poise, Lilith, alwasy poise, the vampiress told herself, struggling to follow her mortal mother's words of advice from so very long ago. Now was not the time to fight with the lycan, not with his pack around. Even with the strong (if submissive) Hector at her side, they were no match for the group. No, this Leon must be outplayed, not overpowered.

Instead, Lilith cocked her head to the side and forced a laugh, the sound cold and hollow as it echoed through the darkness. She turned to Hector, a casual move that also exposed her weaker side to the lycan, a sign that she wasn't afraid of him.

"Did you hear that, Hector? We're here to help him and he's the one asking for favors? Can you imagine? I think this lycan had better take some lessons in manners from his mate, don't you?"

With another laugh, she turned back to Leon. "And really, seduce you into submission?" While she had to admit to herself that the idea had occured to her, Lilith couldn't admit that to the Bravado Alpha. Certainly not with the lovely Acacia standing at his side. But there were other ways to subdue a man. "Absurd, I assure you. Dogs were never my type."

Her words were meant to sting, but if they hurt Leon at all, he covered it well. "Better to be a dog than a bitch," the lycan shot back with a growl.

Lilith's eyes widened. What audacity! What nerve! Insulting her clan wasn't enough? He had to take a personal jab? The vampiress stared at him in complete shock. Wasn't she advanced enough in her clan to not have to deal with this scum? Surely she shouldn't have to put up with this!

A cold smile crossed her pale features. Not the polite, closed lipped smile she had given earlier, but rather a wide grin that bared her fangs. "Trust me," Lilith said, her voice deadly quiet. "I can assure you, Wulfschild, that you will be awarded exactly what you deserve when this is all over. I will see to it personally."

[Auki]

Acacia refrained from rolling her eyes in her mate’s direction. Did he have no tact? No finesse in politics? At least she had attempted to be civil despite the other clan’s intentions.

"Perhaps you were sent to seduce me into servitude?…”

The gaze that had lingered over the vampiress turned dark, dangerous eyes glowing in the poor light. Why had that thought not occurred to her? Pure jealousy threatened to grab her for a moment but, as with all her emotions, she suppressed it. She knew it wasn’t healthy for her to keep them locked up inside her, threatening to explode at any moment, but it was how she coped with their lifestyle. Leon needed someone cool-headed by his side. She had adapted herself – from the feisty, free-spirited woman she had been to this – so that she could fit that role; someone who withheld all that petty anger and unleashed ambition for the good of the pack. If someone had bothered to meet her eyes, they would have noticed the rage smouldering beneath the surface.

But still, if her husband continued to make things difficult, would the vampiress become so infuriated as to use such a tactic? Would she succeed? Fuck, what would she do if Leon’s loyalty faltered? She would never forgive him; she wouldn’t be able to. What would happen? Where would she go? She wouldn’t be able to stay in the pack; just looking at him would make her sick. Her mind tried to form an image of the two of them together but Acacia forced it away. She was being absurd. Leon would never do that. Would he? What if he preferred the Valentine’s ivory skin to her own olive complexion? Maybe he favoured the other female’s darker hair colour? Her deep blue eyes? The 2-inch advantage Lilith had in her height? Acacia looked older – if only slightly – and maybe Leon was looking for younger flesh…

Wait, no. She mentally shook her head even though outwardly, she made no motion. If her and the vampiress looked about the same age, it was likely that the other was a few decades older. What was she thinking? She had to have some faith in her husband, regardless of her own envy. But still…if Leon dismissed her, what would happen to the baby?

Her hands flinched in their pockets but she dismissed the urge to hug her stomach. The issue of her pregnancy could be discussed later, when her and her husband had a moment alone. Now was certainly not the time to announce it. So why can’t I stop thinking about it for one damn second? Her thoughts growled, reminding herself of the importance of being alert around strangers.

"I can assure you, Wulfschild, that you will be awarded exactly what you deserve when this is all over. I will see to it personally," the vampiress said, her voice holding no more warmth than the night air. Having both sides pissed at each other was going to make things all the more difficult. “Your consideration is appreciated,” Acacia said in a neutral tone, although her eyes still flashed and her thoughts wondered what exactly Lilith thought they would ‘deserve’ for their troubles, “Just make sure you keep to such a promise.”

With that, she motioned to Leon she was leaving, bored with such petty comments, and turned away from the group. Her breath left translucent clouds of mist trailing from her lips as she strolled back towards the pack. If Leon had decided to lead negotiations with other clans, she would be the one to look after their own pack. After all, many of the group had questions and complaints, confused or irritated by the quick change in plans. Someone had to answer their queries and reassure them that this was the last detour before they settled for good – Their emotions were understandable after all.
The Betas were, of course, overlooking the others in the absence of both Alphas. Nicoli being the closest to her, she approached him. “Let’s hope our visitors don’t cause more trouble than it’s worth,” she growled, glancing back over her shoulder towards her husband, “I don’t have the patience anymore to deal with anyone who feels they can manipulate us.”

[MidKnight]

Cross stepped into the elevator, half drowzy and almost unconscious, ready to fall flat on his face. He could hear the ding of the elevator as he presses the button's of each floor. "You won't make it, and I know why." The stranger smiled with the cigar still between his fingers, smoking and puffing. "Shut up and leave me alone." Cross said with cold voice. Several seconds later, he heard another ding, he looks up, he was up on his floor. He tried to get up but he felt the tiredness kicking in.

Getting up slowly and on his feet. He could smell his apartment being close by. He digged in his pockets for his keys. The strange and hallucinating person kept following, "Your not gonna find of what your looking for in there." He says with caution as he leans again'st a wall. "Don't you ever shut up?" Cross snapped back. The moment he opened his door, he went to the kitchen area. Opened his freezer, but found no blood. He hesitated and went back outside, "Where is it?!" he raised his voice to the stranger. "I have no idea, you must've dranked it all."

Cross groans and moves down slowly on his knees. "But there are more down the clinic a few feet from here." The stranger said with a smile as he bends down to look at Cross in the face. "Make your way back down, break into the place, and drink as many as you want." Breathing heavy, "You trying to make me go berserk?" he questioned his motives. "Not at all. I'm only helping you out." Cross gets back on his feet, "Or you can die on this floor with your damn tongue hanging out." Cross was quiet for a while, then he turns around with a zombie motion, back into the elevator, going down.

Finding himself back on the street, he collasped on the ground, breathing heavy as usual, the stranger was behind him. "Come on now, you can make it." the stranger then begin laughing. "You know I may be a hallucination, but a hallucination knows how to live. So get off your ass and get it moving." Cross couldn't move a inch of his muscle. "So....tired.....thirsty...."

[StormWolf]

The Bravado Alpha had been able to keep a tight reign on himself, the vampiress and her pet were attacking him, not his mate or his Pack. He could take insults with little more than a flinch. Pride heals quicker than honor. Still, Leon's heart pounded in his chest, small drops of adrenaline slipping into his blood, making his eyes glow in the night and his teeth sharp and wolfen.

The fact that this woman thought that Leon would be so easily leashed by pretty looks was insulting, in itself. His experience in World War II taught Leon that he cannot trust anyone at skin value and that the pretty ones have daggers in their smiles. Acacia was the only exception to that rule. She was all he needed. If the world ended tomarrow, he would still be happy if he had Acacia by his side.

"Listen here, Valentine." Leon's voice was slightly deeper than usual, more growl-ish, "There is only one thing I want in return for our help in your little squabble with the Sanguine..."

"Leon! You need to hear this." The Omega with his phone ran over, tossing the cell phone to him, putting it to his ear. He listened to the message, it was Grace, he could hear crying in the background and could almost smell the fear.

"Hold on." he said lightly to Lilith, walking away from the entire group. The longer the message played, the more of an effect it took. Leon's adrenal glands reacted to his emotions, unleashing a humanly lethal amount of the hormone into his system. His blood burned and his heart raced. 125...230...312...478...500...578 beats per minute. The powerful organ in Leon's chest pounded, the rumble carrying over to those behind him. His fingernails became black claws that dug into his palm and into his face, his teeth were no longer human. Leon's arms swelled with muscle, sweat made his body shimmer in the moonlight, veins popping in his arms and neck and temple. His legs thickened with his arms, his body starting to Change.

"Valentine...." Leon growled, his voice barely holding any semblance of humanity. When he turned, his hair and beard were thicker, his eyes feral and his teeth designed to kill. One could see his body shifting beneath his skin, dark hair sprouting on his arms and thickening on his chest. The phone in his hand little more than scrap now. Four pups dead, three more wounded. Grace and her Pack were able to escape when one of the professionals turned on his own. Sanguine...

"I want to things in return for our services.... One: I want your Elder to cut out fifty square miles of wilderness in the Rockies for my Pack, no one gets that land but us. Two: I want blood. No code of conduct. My Pack does things our way. If you cannot agree to those terms...." Leon snarled, a bestial rumble escaping his barely-human mouth, his teeth slick with saliva, his claws ready to tear asunder. "Then you are of no use to us..."

Leon wanted to Change, he desired the freedom, he desired that feeling, that horrible extacy and terrible pain that made him what he really was, a beast designed to kill. Joseph thought he was hunting an animal... No, he is agitating something far more dangerous.

"Keep your promises, and you will have our help, but stay out of our way, we are known for smashing anything that blocks us from our goal."

[Stream]

A bit of an argument tok place between Lilith and Leon. Hector didn’t want to interrupt either, as both would surely be seen as a sign of disrespect to his superior. The lycan alpha was anything but calm and rational, but that didn’t mean the Valentines were to react the same way. Lilith’s anger was boiling inside of her, but she kept a blank and submissive stare, not fooling anyone. Luckily she held pacifism in a higher regard in this situation.

“Blood’s going to get you nowhere, not with the Sanguine...” Hector whispered under his breath. He turned his head towards Lilith to whisper into her ear. “You know there’s more than one “dog” standing here, right? He’s not going to be rational, try not to entice him into a fight. I want no part in a slaughter, and I won’t be apart of helping get his hand’s wet. Not for a Kraut.” Hector finished, his breath turning to a pale white smoke as it dispersed against the vampiress’ hair. His head had rose a bit more, seeing as how he wasn’t in any trouble.

“What’s with the land in the Rockies? Seeing your reaction to this and typical aggressive demeanor, I can’t see why that’d be the place for you to choose. There aren’t too many humans there you can kill for fun and games.” Hector’s eyelids lowered a bit, his body getting denser and colder. His forehead dipped a bit as he spoke, cocking his head at an angle to get a piercing stare at Leon’s eyes. He nodded at Acacia. “Violence runs in the family. Six of one and a half dozen of the other. You’re lucky to have her.”

The weight of his luggage was starting to strain Hector’s shoulder. His shotgun was still packed along with all of his shells and cartridges. It would’ve been better to travel by plane, but airport security would’ve surely found his contraband. Sitting still in a taxi for hours straight wasn’t helping his muscles at all. The cold air had turned his legs into stiff pieces of wood. All Hector could think about right now was getting back to the suite provided by the clan and wrapping himself in blankets on a nice, plush bed. It was a bit weird that a lycan would only care about such trivial effeminate things.

“You’re surely as cold as I am, Lilith. I’m no use to you right now with decision making. Let this coonass find suitable lodging and get something warm in his belly. This is getting a little out...” he stopped himself midsentence, sensible enough not to go any further. “I’m sorry for my behavior. I won’t interrupt again.” Once more the lycan lowered his head in recognition of his negligence.

Though the situation was important to his clan, Hector could’ve cared less. His body was cold and aching, begging him to sleep. The loud growling of his stomach only made him salivate more for a nice steak dinner. Before he had become an omega, he was able to fend for himself and live a relatively decent life. Nothing could bring him back to his early years as a true human, wealthy and able to live normally among everybody else. Being blessed and cursed with such a long lifespan meant living a ruin lifestyle; never being able to stay in one place for too long, or keeping a relationship with anyone outside of his own clan. Appreciation for the things the Valentines provided for him could only go so far.

[Flex]

“Thanks for that,” Dice told Rowena, rolling her eyes, as they entered the hallways; the sound of the partying Sanguine “professionals” still quite distinct.
“Whatever, bitch,” Rowena slurred, “that Tobias is damn fine. What are you… frigid or something?” It was all said with a sneer; a cynicism. Dice blinked, startled for a second, before resuming her previous nonchalance. Of course, this girl… Rowena… had to be one of the youngest Sanguine members; no way could someone any older than thirty speak so callously. She had to be on the MTV generation; the “people of tomorrow”.
There was an awkward pause. Then, “see you around,” was all Dice could say, as she spun herself around in the opposite direction. It was time to find her suite.

The Ritz-Carlton was a gorgeous hotel, there was no denying it. Swanky, sophisticated and luxurious … yet Dice wasn’t in the mood to enjoy it. Once entering her suite, she allowed herself to briefly scan the room; bed, bathroom, austere closet - luxurious to the extreme; and not even less than a second later - sword in hand, she was slashing thin air.

Whilst there was nothing but air at the end of her sword, Dice was oblivious; they were there, as far as she was concerned… Tobias… the others; jeering, sneering, elderly vampires - pampered and frail. Even Rowena, the “goddess groupie” - vapid and sly - was an irrelevant waste of space, in her opinion. For a second, she and the sword were twirling around the suite, like electrons rotating around an atom - falling, falling… - and suddenly she was watching the sword soar through the air and smashed into the side of an elegant side table.

For a second there was… nothing… and then the entire piece of furniture crumbled beneath the mere power of her weapon. But it wasn’t a piece furniture; not anymore; not for Dice, anyway. No… it was Tobias, grimacing in pain. It was Rowena crying out for help. It was the rest of the Sanguine clan; she could see them all, so… so clearly.

Fading… fading… fading…

She watched her reflection in fascination as she came towards the mirror; bigger and bigger and bigger. She squinted slightly, despite not needing to - her vampire sight was perfect. Still… what did they see when they looked at her; did they see… her? Or did they… it didn’t matter, because one day… “One day,” Dice murmured to herself, letting the sword clatter to the floor, “I will rule over them,” she smiled at the thought. She took a deep breath and continued, “one day--”

Hello Dice, Marissa’s voice interrupted her. Startled, Dice turned in the direction of the sound - her mobile phone lay, blinking, beside her satchel. I’m calling to let you know that… Marissa continued and Dice knelt to grab her sword, intent on Marissa’s every word. Apparently, under the Elder’s orders, the entire Sanguine clan - including the buffoons in the entertainment room downstairs - were expected at the… lumber yard… by ten pm. It was her job to notify them of this arrangement.

Remember Dice, the Clan Sanguine is one of the richest clans in the world. Being a part of the clan does have its advantages, Marissa finished, ending the call. Dice lingered over those last few words; richest clan… Sanguine… advantages. She couldn’t help but smile. Advantages… Grinning to herself, Dice straightened her kimono and gathered her sword and satchel, leaving the room.

---

“We’re expected to meet with Marissa at the lumber yard by ten pm,” Dice informed the others. When she had first entered the entertainment room, the others had been… “entertaining” each other. She didn’t want to dwell over how she had walked in to find three elderly vampires groveling over some half-dressed youngster, the others watching on in fascination; she had better things to do. “Joseph’s orders,” she added, enforcing the seriousness of their situation. Joseph meant business.

“Oh… and…” Dice began, but was interrupted by the annoying high-pitched voice of a supermodel; “It’s so amazing to be able to work with the other girls; they’re all so talented!” she giggled, winking coyly at the cameras. Somewhat disgruntled, Dice plodded on: “Everyone, please make sure that you are--” but she was interrupted by yet another round of vacuous tittering.

“Could someone… please turn that off?” Dice groaned. The television stayed on; way to go. “Please?” Dice asked again, not getting any reply in return; not that any of them were listening her at all - not for the first time she wished that she had a video recorder on her; Tobias had his tongue down Lacey’s throat and four vampires had assembled into a drunken cancan down the other end of the room. As well as this, a sultry Lycan - Lynette, if Dice could remember correctly - was apparently performing a striptease for a few desperate individuals in an adjoining room. It all would make a great birthday present for Joseph.

The Victoria Secrets women were back to parading the catwalk, their flashy outfits leaving the audience stunned. “The girls are doing great tonight,” a blonde model by the name of Heidi Klum, said, grinning wolfishly. Sighing, Dice walked over to a nearby sofa; taking a seat next to a Lycan who was sprawled over one end, digging into a bag of cheesy crisps. Dice glanced over at him. “Did… you…listen to me?” she asked him, weakly.

The Lycan glanced over at her and returned to the chips; throwing his head back and holding the bags over his mouth, letting the chips fall into his mouth. “Sure,” he said, once he had finished with the chips.
“Oh.” Dice was surprised. “Cool.”
“Yeah.”
“I’m Dice,” she told him.
“Conan,” he replied, lifting a hand at her, before turning around and promptly falling asleep.

So Dice dejectedly watched the others for the remaining hours; despite their disrespect and complete lack of interest in what she had said… she knew they had heard… and she knew they would get ready in time. They would be there, just as if nothing had happened. “What happens in Sanguine, stays in Sanguine,” she murmured to herself in dry amusement. And she was right… once eight-thirty came around, the others began to leave the room and made their way to their suites; showering, eating, etc.

Dice watched the others and once they were gone, made her own way back to her suite. Perhaps she could steal a few hours to work on her laptop? There was still plenty of time; and she would order dinner via room service… she’d have to find a way to fix that side table, though. It couldn’t be too hard; after all, a mortal had made it.

At least when you were at the bottom, there was only one perceivable avenue of improvement… and only one direction in which to go; up.

[Heirosyth]

In no particular hurry, Marissa sauntered up to his table and smiling softly, she spoke clearly, confidently addressing the handsome gentleman.

“Bonsoir monsieur. Please excuse the sudden interruption. I couldn’t help but notice in passing that remarkable ring that you’re wearing and also that one so refined such as yourself was dining alone. But then, where are my manners?” Marissa said, both flashing another smile and extending her hand. “My name is Marisol Ducaine, I am a collector of fine antique jewelry. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance monsieur.’ She said, her voice soft and barely above a whisper.

The young, sleek gentleman glanced up and over his paper, now lowered a few inches for her to see his amber-tinted pupils gazing back at her above the spectacles that rested upon the bridge of his fine, straight nose. Seeing her gorgeous figure standing before him, he smiled broadly, folding up the paper in a swift motion and placing it down on the table before promptly standing up. With a noble deference that only the most courtly gentlemen possessed, he took her hand in his, warm soft fingers wrapping around her own, and gently brought it to his lips.

"Charmed," he said with that same winning smile, his eyes never leaving hers, but to close for the moment he tenderly kissed her skin. Resuming his fine upright posture once more and releasing her hand, he beckoned her to sit down as he introduced himself. "Ms. Ducaine, I am Stephen Escalus, at your service. I would normally offer to take your coat, but I see that your tastes mirror my own, and here you are! Please..." he motioned across from his own place at the table.

As soon as she took her seat, he reclaimed his own, and flashed the ruby-set ring with the gold band with a careful gesture of his hand. He seemed to admire it for a second, his eyes glancing between the ring and her captivating green eyes, "Yes, I can see how it might attract someone's attention, particularly someone who knows about jewelry." He paused and then met her eyes again with a slow smirk, "Someone like yourself." He had a foreign, European accent that sounded mostly Italian. Then his eyes fell back upon the ring as his fingers pressed and turned it in thought, "It has been something I've had for a very long time--a brotherhood once existed that wore these..." Lucius paused, cinching his eyebrows together, "... kinds of rings." Then his eyebrows lifted and he sat back, clasping one of his hands deftly with the other, finishing his thoughts almost dismissively: "They're all nearly gone now. It was a special custom set, made just for us. I suppose they would fetch quite a price, but I'm not selling..."

A waitress came by and asked if they were ready for her to take their order. "Stephen" smiled politely and then nodded looking towards Marissa, allowing her to go first. When she made her request, he turned to glance up at the waitress and informed her, "I shall be starting off a Kupelweiser Pinot Grigio Alto Adige and I'll have the French Onion soup."

"Very good, madam; sir. I shall bring your drinks shortly." And with that she was gone.

Then he smiled politely and turned his attention back to the attractive lycan female, "But enough about my ring. I..." Lucius paused, tapping his index finger to his lips, "I recognize you!" Then he shook the tip of his finger at her playfully.

"Marissa." Her name was spoken with satisfaction that betrayed his enjoyment of the game of aliases they were both playing. "With Sanguine, oui?" He figured that would catch her off-guard and was ready for her fervant denial. The sudden shift to French accent didn't help her case any. "Yessss, it is you! After all this time!" His glimmering ivory smile, fangs included, could've lit up the entire room.

And then just as quickly it dissolved into a focused concentration on her face, peering into her eyes, as though a disturbing thought had just occurred to him. "I'm sorry about Sebastian. He mentioned you fondly, back when I knew him. It was a damned tragedy when his life was brought to an end. We lost a veritable chevelier among our kind the night he was betrayed." He reached across and rested his hand on hers in a comforting gesture. "I can't imagine things have been the same since in Clan Sanguine."

He allowed her a chance to speak of it with patient politesse. Then he withdrew his hand and interlaced his fingers once more.

"And now they have you here. Why? What's Sanguine's stake in Denver? What is their business here?" he tilted his head and looked at Marissa inquiringly. "I've heard of your talents, and they send you. Joseph sends you. Must be something worth doing."

The waitress showed up with the glasses, carefully pouring the wine into "Stephen's" glass, and tending to Marissa as well, before curtly informing the Vampire Lord that she would be bringing his soup shortly.

Lucius took the glass in hand and raised it, inviting Marissa to do the same and promptly made a toast: "To the "nightlife" and looking good for years to come!" He grinned at his own bad pun. Then he breathed in the scent of his wine, swishing it around to his satisfaction, and finally sipping upon it with remarkable pleasure.

"Blood is fine, but wine gets better with time."

In case she decided to be coy, or remiss with the answers, he continued to inform her of his extensive knowledge about the situation, assuring her that he wasn't simply here for pleasure. "I know about the meeting tonight. The lumberyard. I know the parties involved. What I wish to know, is what Joseph is getting out of all this?"

And then his eyebrows knitted together again, "And more to the point, ma chere, what are you getting out of this? Joseph's hatred for your kind is well known across the five clans and continents; I could know nothing else about him, and I would know that. So I know he cannot be treating you as well as you very clearly deserve. So what keeps you bound to him, doing his bidding?"

It was a fair question and his eyebrows raised once more, implying that he was honestly perplexed by this with a deepening frown.

"If you say 'loyalty', I can tell you now," he remarked, "by this ring..." he paused again, holding up his right hand where it rested, "...that Sebastian would not have you endure this for the sake of 'loyalty'. Trust me when I say this; I knew him. He would never approve of that."

Leaning forward, his voice lowered to a fine whisper, "May I make a small suggestion? A thought to consider?"

"I can respect loyalty as a virtue; a loyal man or woman is a rare thing to find in today's world. But men like Joseph have no appreciation for it. How do I know this? Because I know who betrayed Sebastian. Your Clan was weakened the day Joseph took the mantle for himself. It has not been the same since."

He let her think about that for a moment.

"I'll tell you a secret: The other Elders do not respect Joseph. And quite obviously this is because they receive no respect from him. He is making enemies everywhere. And in this world, you cannot do that and expect to live so long as we do. If you truly are loyal to your Clan; if you truly respect the integrity and values of Clan Sanguine, then you will honor those values, and in their memory, you will do what you must to restore them to your Clan." He paused again, and then, looking deep into her eyes, he spoke as sincerely as anyone ever could: "I can offer you a chance to do this, but you must be completely certain you want to do this. Once you take the first step down this path, there is no going back; no second chances." He now wrapped his fingers around hers again.

"If you're willing to do this, there will be an envelope waiting for you tonight at the front desk. Inside, you will find a key. This key is to a safe deposit box in a very old bank branch in Manhatten. Just bring it to the clerk at the counter, tell him your name and that Conzetta sent you, and they will retrieve the box for you--and use your real name, Marissa," Lucius's smile flashed for a moment and then he squeezed her hand. "Remember, once you do this, there is no going back. The contents of the box will point you in the right direction from there."

Then he withdrew his grasp and sat back as the waitress appeared once more, smiling, with a steaming crock of French Onion Soup, the cheese bubbling, golden, and melting thickly over the side. Lucius breathed in deeply with satisfaction and dipped his silver spoon in with relish, sampling the broth with pleasure.

"Mmmm.... nothing quite like hot soup in a place like this." As if on cue, the wind gusted and howled outside in the Mile-High City.

[Mysteria]

"Charmed," he said with that same winning smile, his eyes never leaving hers, but to close for the moment he tenderly kissed her skin. Resuming his fine upright posture once more and releasing her hand, he beckoned her to sit down as he introduced himself. "Ms. Ducaine, I am Stephen Escalus, at your service. I would normally offer to take your coat, but I see that your tastes mirror my own, and here you are! Please..." he motioned across from his own place at the table.

When the gentleman with whom Marissa had spoken to looked up from behind his newspaper peering at her from behind his rectangular spectacles, the first thing that Marissa noticed was the deep amber color of his eyes. The second thing she noticed was a smile that broadened in a sweeping grin as his eyes held hers while kissing her hand gently with a low bow in a gentlemanly manner that was uncommon for men of this day and age and was reminiscent of by gone days. Marissa smiled in return as the warmth of his lips pressed to hers caused an undeniable shiver to course through her. Such were the chivalrous days of the past that Marissa still longed for deep within her heart. Days, such as those spent, with Sebastian.

After having introduced himself as Stephen Escalus he bid her to be seated at his table. Upon getting a closer glance at his ring she recognized it to be very rare indeed. When he told her "It has been something I've had for a very long time--a brotherhood once existed that wore these... kinds of rings” her suspicions were immediately confirmed.

She arched an eyebrow in questioning but at that moment the waitress came to take their orders. Marissa ordered a light lunch consisting of a bowl of Italian Wedding Soup and a glass of Pertit Verdot and waited for Stephen to place his order, taking the opportunity to study his fine appearance and good looks. Marissa was always appreciative of a handsome man, and this one was not only charming, he was also very suave and smooth. All were traits that Marissa adored in a man, and all were traits that had endeared her to Sebastian.

“I”... "I recognize you!" "Marissa."

How does he know my name, Marissa thought to herself. At first her intention would have been to deny that he had the right person but when he said "With Sanguine, oui?" and his smile flashed, showing his fangs, she knew there would be no sense in denying it. Her mind raced…she was correct, he was a vampire….and the ring…she had recognized it to be of those which only the elders had access too. Sebastian had told her of the set and immediately she began to wonder exactly which elder she had the honor of speaking with.

Rather than deny or insult an elder by trying to deny her identity, she replied with a soft smile “It would seem sir that you are aware of my secret, and I can only but say that I am honored to be in the presence of an elder such as yourself.” Marissa may not have known of which elder she was having the pleasure of addressing, but all the same, he was undeniably an elder and with time hopefully his identity would be made known to her.

However, when he spoke of Sebastian in such a fond way, a bolt of sadness ripped through her heart momentarily but was replaced with a sudden quiet stilling of her mind when the warmth of Stephens hand and kindness held within his voice settled over her, easing the pain of her loss. The comfort was quick and fleeting as he removed his hand from hers.

“Thank you, it pleases me to know that Sebastian was held with such high regard” she said, and then shaking her head she continued “No…no it has not been the same since he…since his passing.”

Becoming quiet once again, Marissa listened intently to Stephen speaking of the Sanguine clan and was grateful when the waitress showed up with their drinks and Stephen proposed a toast. It served to allow her the pause she needed to regain her composure and also to think of how to reply to all of his questions. “Indeed, to many years to come!” Marissa said, clinking her glass to his and raising it to her lips she closed her eyes as she swirled the Petit Verdot, inhaling deeply of its bouquet before taking a drink, allowing it to warm her inside and calm her. It had been a long time since being in the presence of another had given her this type of butterflies in her stomach and she merely chalked it up to the fact that whomever he was, he was an elder.

"I know about the meeting tonight. The lumberyard. I know the parties involved. What I wish to know, is what Joseph is getting out of all this? And more to the point, ma chere, what are you getting out of this? Joseph's hatred for your kind is well known across the five clans and continents; I could know nothing else about him, and I would know that. So I know he cannot be treating you as well as you very clearly deserve. So what keeps you bound to him, doing his bidding?"

Marissa’s blood chilled at the mention of Joseph and although she would have preferred not to speak of Joseph and ruin what was turning out be a delightful dinner filled with conversation, she answered the elders questions, carefully and with chosen wording.

“I see that Joseph’s reputation proceeds him” Marissa said with a half smirk before continuing on “You are correct in your assessment that me and my kind are Josephs bane in this world. He treats me as well as can be expected for one who holds so little regard for those who have upheld the best interests of the clan” Marissa paused for a moment, allowing the words to sink in before taking another sip of her wine and deciding that it would be in her best interest to speak freely and somewhat trustingly to Stephen. “If I may speak freely?” She asked and Stephen simply nodded and smiled, bidding her to continue with her thoughts. “Josephs interests in this are what Josephs interests always are, to seek whatever gain he can from the situation. I dare say I fear his interests are not what is best for The House Of Sanguine, but rather, what he feels is best for himself.”

She paused again, allowing Stephen time to direct a response to her and was caught off her guard when he stated "If you say 'loyalty', I can tell you now," he remarked, "by this ring...that Sebastian would not have you endure this for the sake of 'loyalty'. Trust me when I say this; I knew him. He would never approve of that."

Lowering her voice and looking directly into Stephens amber orbs as he listened to her intently, she found herself adding with a certain level of comfort “I can tell you this, my loyalty does not lie within Josephs leadership, but more to not wanting to see the ruination of the clan” With a deep sigh she sat back in her chair and finished her statement “Although I fear that no matter my efforts, it may already be to late.”

Stephens next words brought great relief to Marissa. In actuality, they brought a great amount of delight to Marissa. To know that she was not alone in her suspicions of Joseph and his motives were a weight lifted from her shoulders, but when Stephen once again wrapped his hand around hers, saying "If you're willing to do this, there will be an envelope waiting for you tonight at the front desk. Inside, you will find a key. This key is to a safe deposit box in a very old bank branch in Manhatten. Just bring it to the clerk at the counter, tell him your name and that Conzetta sent you, and they will retrieve the box for you--and use your real name, Marissa," Lucius's smile flashed for a moment and then he squeezed her hand. "Remember, once you do this, there is no going back. The contents of the box will point you in the right direction from there." Marissa was flooded with a mixture of emotions. Damned it was bad enough that she had once been an emotional woman, but on top of it to be a lycan who’s emotions often run ramped was just about more than she could handle at the moment. Again a welcome break came in form of the arrival of their meals.

The wind howled and Marissa agreed with a smile. “Yes, nothing like a bowl of hot soup on a chilly day” she said, although the cold outside wasn’t really a huge factor to her. It was the emptiness she felt inside of having a flood of memories brought back to her, and the fact that she knew that Stephen was correct that had chilled her. She would have much to consider with Stephens offer.

They ate their meals, talking quietly amongst themselves until they were finished at which time Marissa excused herself saying with a slight hint of a smile upon her mocha stained lips “Thank you kind sir, for the dinner and conversation. It has been my pleasure to meet you Stephen but I really must retire now and prepare for my meeting tonight. And I will give your proposal the attention it deserves” Extending her hand to his she added with a thoughtful grin “I do so hope that we shall see each other again, very soon.”


Reluctantly, Marissa returned to her room, showering and changing into a comfortable pair of black leather pants, simple button down shirt and leather boots. Assembling the few things she needed for the nights excursion, she hid them under her leather jacket and made her way to the lobby and headed for the lumber yard.

============================

Ten P.M:

Marissa arrived promptly at the lumber yard and within moments Dice and the professionals arrived. She could hear voices coming from close by. There were lots of voices. The professionals, along with Dice were raring to get into the lumber yard but Marissa directed them to hang back using the excuse that there were too many there and that her contacts had informed her there would be more than just the Bravado clan present. “After all” Marissa hissed, baring her feral teeth when the others objected “we are only here for Bravado members, not the others. We will wait until they are alone and then I will go in and signal you if I need you. Leon Wulfschild is mine. DO NOT disobey my orders.”

Under the cover of the dark blanket of night the Sanguine clan waited patiently for the other clans to retire.

[Crypes]

Davan breathed a sigh of relief as the last hostile was disabled. Only three vampire casualties total. Including the vampire that he'd shot himself. The sigh was somewhat premature, he could easily admit, but step one was over. Now it was time to direct some anger towards the elder. "Alright, listen up. You have new orders. Smash the cameras on your helmets. The microphones too. These words are for you only."

There was some mild confusion at first, but they quickly fell in line after glancing at their dead companion. They feared the elder, but not as much as the man currently holding the gun. One of them did decide to speak out, however. He was slightly less positive than Davan would have liked, but you couldn't make an omlet without breaking a few eggs.

"What the fuck was that about? They'd have all been dead by now if it weren't for those orders!" He said, watching in annoyance as Davan lit up another cigarette. Many of the others did the same, wanting to know what was going on.

Davan blew a plume of smoke into his face, before answering. "As I'm sure you're all aware, this mission was like shooting fish in a barrel. Easy, right?" He said, utterly calm before suddenly snapping at them. "It was fucking grunt work! Vampires of our power are wasted on these sorts of missions! The elder sends the special forces to do this? Kill a lycan family?"

The professionals were shocked. What Davan was saying was downright treason! The elder would command them to kill him on the spot if he'd heard what Davan was saying. So the remaining loyalist decided to carry out the sentence himself, knowing that the others would be behind him in an instant! He lunged forward at the traitorous lieutenant, too caught up to realize the others weren't moving with him, but to restrain him. Unlike him, the others hated the boring clean up missions, substandard pay, and the elder in general.


Fortunately for Davan, they also hated their bastard of a Sergeant. The loyalist could have swore he felt his arms pop out of their sockets as he jerked to a stop, inches from the man he was trying to kill. "What the fuck is this?" He shouted, warily eying the blade that Davan had drawn.

"This? I believe the French call it a Coup d'état." Davan looked to the apparent second in command and grinned. "Give me a clean shot at his neck."

The vampire simply nodded and grabbed his former commander by the hair, one of the two restraining him dropped him to his knees with a well placed kick, and Davan raised his katana above his head.

"The elder will kill you for this! All of you!" The loyalist shouted.

"Keep telling yourself that."

[Anne Bonny]

For the first time during the meeting, Lilith waiting patiently for the others around her to finish speaking. The Bravados' reactions... Acacia and her impatience, Leon and his sudden rage... what could they mean? Who, or what, what on the other end of that cell phone that made Leon nearly change in a fit of fury? Curiosity nibbled at her thoughts, but for now at least, she pushed it away. The Alpha male was in no state to talk. And if she were to earn what little trust might be salvaged from the other clan, Lilith was certain she shouldn't be pressing the issues when Leon's mate was obviously ready to leave.

And Hector had whispered sound advice in her ear. It would be wise for the Valetines to be going. She gave a nod to her clanmate and took a step backwards.

"We're on the same page, Bravado," Lilith said as she turned to go. "Whether we are friendly with each other or not, we both want to taste Sanguine blood. If we can trust you to assist us in bringing down Joseph and his followers, you can trust us to get you your land."

With a toss of her hair and a casual wave over her shoulder, Lilith lead the way out of the lumber yard. "We'll be in touch," she called over her shoulder.

The walk back to the hotel seemed to pass quickly now that the vampiress had thoughts to reason out and some company to do it with. Whether he wanted to be or not, Hector became Lilith's sounding board on the way.

"So first he wants no part of our battle, then he says he wants blood. What changed his mind so quickly? And why do you suppose he wants all that land? Is it some wild animal instinct, to run free in the woods?" she asked once. Thoughts of any offense her words might cause didn't even cross her mind. "Well you're a lycan, do you ever have such an urge?"

Another time on their walk she mused about the phone call. "And I thought he was angry when he saw us! What could possibly have happened? And what could be so important to break a meeting? He's very rude, don't you think? In other ways too. What did we ever do to him anyway?"

Lilith continued on a rant of how shockingly uncivil Leon had been. "I don't know how he managed to land a woman like Acacia. I've never seen a lycan more gorgeous." She raised her finger to make a point. "And courteous! What could she be doing with that horrible Leon? Sure, he's got looks on his side, but they only go so far. That wears off in time, you know. Do you think it's the power? The thrill of being with an Alpha?"

A few more minutes and their hotel loomed into sight. "Regardless, you would think he would be grateful for some help. We're not asking him to do everything on his own, are we? So unreasonable. Irrational! If he doesn't like the situation, then fine. But he could at least pretend to make the best of it.

"Speaking of making the best of a situation," Lilith continued, throwing a glance at Hector and finally changing the subject. "Are you hungry? There's a restaurant in the hotel that looked nice. Care to join me for a bite?"

[Flex]

The lumber yards seemed desolate and empty; everything cast in darkness. Dice was amongst the Sanguine professionals, all who had assumed a calm and professional air between their departure from the Ritz-Carlton and arrival at the lumber yard. They were all dressed in black; as was the way in Sanguine - Dice, herself, adorned a striking black kimono with crimson floral prints. She held her sword close to her body; as security - just in case anything got out of control.

“How long are we supposed to wait?”
“‘Leon Wulfschild is mine?’ Who the fuck does she think she is?”
“…yes, and the tea - the tea was lovely… absolutely lovely.”
“Can’t we leave this for tomorrow night?”

Snippets of random conversations, held in whispers amongst the members of Sanguine, reached Dice’s ears. She held back from the others; she wasn’t sure what it was exactly - perhaps it was resentment; after all, she couldn’t just… forget what had happened, earlier that evening, could she? Well… not yet, anyway. All in time, all in time; after all, time healed all wounds… right?

“Right,” Dice laughed quietly to herself. She knew better than anybody else that time didn’t heal all wounds; sure, the wounds could be temporarily forgotten - they could lose importance as… more… important wounds entered the scene; but they never healed. Ever. She reached back into the recesses of her mind; searching, searching… rifling through her vast bank of memories; six-years-old and being walked to school by her mother, fourteen and kissing the boy who - if destiny hadn’t got in the way - would have become her husband. Twenty and receiving her degree for teaching; twenty-six and…

Dice caught her breath; standing still. No…. no. There was no point. She couldn’t distract herself; not now, anyway. The Bravado clan could arrive any other time; there was plenty of other time for her to trawl through the winding mazes of her life as a human being; the tragic twenty-six years. She wondered if she missed her time as a human; back in the days when a mere pin prick could break her skin, when talking to someone of the opposite gender had her flushing in embarrassment and pleasure, when the thought of a new year would have her almost nonsensically excited. She considered the prospect for a second; was she?

She watched dark, turbulent clouds circulate the sky; a luminescent shard of moonlight hidden behind them. No, she decided. She wasn’t; that had been a different… chapter of her life. A different part, altogether: Part 1 - full of hardship, pain… and betrayal… especially at the very end…

“You ready?”
Dice sighed; she had been watching Tobias from the corner of her eyes; jesting, boasting, flirting; she had seen him approaching her, but she didn’t think he would really…
“As ready as I’ll ever be,” she replied resolutely; corny, sure - but there was nothing really to say. It hadn’t even been a question; just a… conversation opener… and she had no idea why Tobias wanted to engage in a conversation with her.
“So what do you think of Wolfy?”
Dice rolled her eyes. “You mean Marissa?”
“No shit. So? What do you think of her?”
Dice was caught somewhat off-guard. What could she say? And what did she think of Marissa? Why did it matter… and… why so many questions? She brushed them all away and instead focused on her answer. “I think she… does her job.”
“Oh come on, Dicey,” - how much she hated the nickname - “don’t play all innocent. Look; I don’t want to start some gossipy bitchfest. I just want an honest opinion; that’s all.”
Dice glanced at him fleetingly; well… he looked honest enough. And she doubted that he wanted to verbally degrade Marissa - Tobias just wasn’t the type; such tactics were more common of Lacey… or Rowena. “I think,” Dice began, deciding to speak, “I think…” she thought about it for a second, before continuing, “I think she’s stalling - I mean… making us stay here because there are too many of us? Many has never been a problem; and definitely not in a situation like this. I think she’s--”
“--Up to something?” Tobias finished her sentence.
Dice felt her lips subconsciously curve into a grin. They were riding the same mind-waves. “Yeah.”
“Mm,” Tobias mused, “I was thinking the same thing. I’ve asked the others about it too,” - Dice felt herself deflate slightly; he had asked the others as well; it hadn’t just been her opinion that he had sought out… and she immediately felt ashamed for feeling like that - “and they all… generally feel the same. I wonder what she’s up to…” he seemed thoughtful for a second, before abruptly turning away and walking back to the cluster of Sanguine professionals he had been conversing with previously.

Dice watched him go; a stream of moonlight shimmering down his back, before slipping away. For a second… he wasn’t Tobias anymore; instead a similar figure had taken his place - equally lanky; yet the shoulders weren’t as broad and the gait less cultured. Someone who had raised her from the beginning of her vampire life; culturing her, educating her, dueling with her. “Kill first, ask questions later,” Cube’s voice reverberated in her mind.

And then suddenly he was Tobias again; walking away, blending with the others. Dice breathed out in relief; her heart rate slowly returning to normal. She smiled at her own stupidity - it wasn’t the time to start daydreaming, she reminded herself, to start imagining things. Still, though, and not for the first time, she wondered exactly where Cube was - and how he was going…

[StormWolf]

The Alpha Male watched Lilith and her pet make their leave. His heart pounding in his ears and his blood roaring through his head. He could not show any weakness, not in front of those two. Once they were out fo earshot, Leon fell to his knees, silent tears streaming down his face.

"The pups... Acacia, four pups are dead..." he croaked sadly, draggind the scarred back of his hand across his eyes. "The Timberwolf was attacked, they killed pups. Killed Them! I know who did this...." Leon said in more of a growl, his strength returning with his fury. He sniffed the air, picking up the scent of fancy perfume and gunpowder. His ears picked up a couple racing heartbeats in the distance, on the outside of the camp.

".... Sanguine..." He growled, removing his vest and boots, soon followed by the remainder of his clothing. He had only two pairs of clothes and one pair of boots, he was not keen to shredding them when he changed.

Leon stood there, stark naked, and not the first time he had been so before the Pack. Every time they changed, they were bare. The Alpha closed his golden eyes, concentrating on the core of his rage, on that raw, powerful emotion that throbbed in his core. He invisioned the block he placed around that emotion, walls of pure willpower. Leon tore down those walls, letting that rage, that remorse, that inconsolable anger and hatred flow into his veins.

Then it happened (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaI6tQ-GCvc)

He fell to a knee, his body immune to the cold. Fur as black as a moonless midnight started to sprout from his hair follicles, his muscles morphing and swelling to a grotesque proportion. His heart beating over 550 beats per minute, his adrenal glands pumping three times the humanly lethal dose into hsi body. Leon's bones broke and shattered, his muscles tore and re-knitted to be taughter than steel cable. His spine broke and morphed, his tailbone proturding from his form, becoming a large, black wolf tail. His face broke and reformed, becoming the face of a great black wolf. Organs expanded, internal and external, bis porportionality remaining somewhat intact as his legs became digitigrade legs, the legs of a wolf, but still holding some human features.

With one final, painful roar, Leon finished. The most painful experience in the world always ended in a sickly kind of pleasure. His sensed in overhaul now, he could make out the intruders hiding in the shadows from just hearing their heartbeats. This beast was no longer Leon, he was known as White Scar, for the pale lines of his scars still showed in bright contrast against his pitch black fur. White Scar stood at his full height, almost fourteen feet tall with a shoulder span wider than a car. He was a hulk, a massive creature designed to the hunt and for the kill.

With a snarl that sounded like two slabs of Hell's brimstone grinding against one another, he ran on all fours, the ground flying beneath him as he charged at the heartbeats and the scents, suprisingly silent for his size. Bunching all of the muscles in his legs, White Scar lunged, crashing through the feeble wall between him and what he had deemed as a threat to his Pack.

Tobias felt a crushing impact slam into him, splintering ribs and severing his spine. He was crushed against the cold ground, only having enough time to scream before White Scar's claws of black steel tore his head from his shoulders. Wasting no time, he lunged at another Professional, fumbling to take the safety off of his rifle. Too little too late. The Alpha Lycan's jaws closed on the vampire's head with enough force and pressure to reduce concrete to powder. He thrashed the limp body of the Professional about, taking in as much of the fresh meat he could before casting the body to the side, ending at the ribcage.

One of them got a shot off, hitting White Scar in the shoulder, a blow that was far from fatal. The muscle sinew on that shoulder was like layers of steel cable, the bullet got stuck as soon as it got past the skin. The pain was excruciating, but it fed the wild anger in White Scar's feral mind, helping him forget any human restraints. He brought a claw to the shooter, unzipping him from scrotum to forhead, the poor soul's insides turned to slop, seeping out onto the ground as he fell, the warm organs sending up thin whisps of steam in the cold night. All that was left was the last man and the two women.

The last man scrambled for his pistol, his heart racing at the speed of panic. A black-furred hand engulfed his head, lifting him from the ground and crushing, blood and brains seeped through his fingers, the scent sickeningly alluring. With a grunt of a snarl White Scar threw the twitching corps aside. He drew his lips back in a snarl, barring his rows of bloody teeth, chunks of their comrades stuck in them.

White Scar stalked these, two, his wolfen ears up high and alert, his tail aggressive, these two were the leaders.... These two were the big game.... White Scar licked his chops, growling harshly; a beast, a monster. Designed to hunt, kill, and feed.

[MidKnight]

Cross gets back on his feet, hoping to come back to his senses, but instead, whatever is wrong with him, it was getting worse. He felt a little more disoriented than usual. "Hey listen." Said the stranger as he put his hand behind his ear, "I can hear your death coming....slowly, or I can hear another Lycan moving this way." He chuckles quietly as he looks around like a clown. "Hey....there is a restaurant, maybe you can order a very bloody rare steak." Cross could feel his mouth starting to become watery.

He quickly runs to the restaurant, the stranger follows him from behind. Bashing through the doors like crazy, the door man was shocked and a little surprise'd to see him. "Excuse me sir, may I help you?" he asked with a gentleman's voice. "Bloody steak and a beer." Cross said as he walked by him and sat at a nearby table. He waited for a while, the stranger sits across him, "Well at least you'll be well fed boy." he joked and laughs.

"Is that suppose to be funny?" he growls with a sharp voice. The stranger takes his hat and places it on the table. "Well if your turn into a werewolf right now, I'll be glad to threw the t-bone across the room." Cross gives him a angry expression, not even blinking. "Can't take a joke I see." The stranger says quietly to himself.

Cross waited for several minutes until finally a waiter with a steak and a beer comes to his table and sets the plate. "Will there be anything else?" the waiter asked, "Another steak." Cross demanded as he begins to chow down on the steak with his bare hands, not even giving a moment of letting it cool off for bit.

[Auki]

Acacia felt numb.

She didn’t cry. She didn’t shout. She just stood, the chilled wind whipping at her hair, dark eyes staring at nothing. She didn’t dare to ask the names of the victims; she wasn’t aware if Leon even knew. Her emotions raged inside her – anger versus grief, revenge versus sorrow – each cancelling the other out until she was left with nothing; no emotion that she could work with. And still, she knew the reality of the situation hadn’t truly hit her yet.

Her arms hugged her stomach, They don’t mind killing innocent pups. With me, they won’t hesitate. “Oh god…” she murmured, “Oh god, oh god, oh god.” A wave of nausea hit her – What about the other pups? Were they still being hunted? Who would do such a twisted thing? Guilt surged through her mind; she had abandoned them. The Pack had run off to fight someone else’s war and left behind the young to be murdered. There was no way she could have known this would have happened when they left but still…she was the one who would have to take responsibility, Their poor parents… Her mind went blank, empty of thought, her gaze oblivious to the rest of the world…

She wanted to settle down, to hide safely away from the world so that her and Leon could raise a family. She didn’t want this – In all honesty, she never had. She had followed her husband loyally from conflict to conflict but… She just felt exhausted, drained and…lost. It felt like she was living on empty promises.

Her own sense of smell had always been dull compared to the average lycan but even in her current state, she noticed when Leon sniffed at the air. His whole body had tensed as he inhaled whatever scent he had managed to pick up.

"I'm so sorry, love. We can't have our Promised Land yet. We have yet to face one more trial."

That’s what he had told her yesterday, when they had first heard the news of the Clan War. One more trial… Her thoughts whispered bitterly, What if there’s always one more trial to face? I-… I refuse to give birth in the midst of war. I c-…I can’t. And yet…

She looked up at her husband and blinked. She was not scared to see the hulking beast towering over her but the sight made her chest feel heavy. The father of her child stood almost three times her height, roaring in pain as his body twisted to make the perfect killing machine. She knew that lycans were built on emotion and yet as she stared up at her mate, rage and revenge blazing inside of him, she realised it was a sight she did not want her child to see. A pup should be allowed some innocence before the dark reality of the world snatched it away.

As soon as her pregnancy became visible, she might be targeted, if she wasn’t being targeted already. She would be in danger. Their baby would be in danger.
…There was no way she could allow that to happen. She didn’t know what she would do when her bump began to show but…she knew that something would have to change.

With Leon’s final roar, she was torn from her thoughts. Even if her mate was over-reacting from the news, he had obviously sensed something. She had always taken it as part of her role to ensure the pack’s safety, despite how her husband disapproved. Her trousers had zips running down the outer leg that she swiftly undid, her shirt she ripped off without a thought. She removed her bra within a matter of seconds - Now was not the time to care about her insecurities.

She was not stupid enough to go through a complete transformation although with all the emotions that she had boiling inside of her, the idea was tempting. Instead, she allowed herself to draw upon only some of them feelings, careful to restrain them from burning too strongly. Her heart began to beat with a faster rhythm, only slightly elevated above what would be considered healthy but making her feel all the more alive. Her hair grew fairer and patches of white fur could be seen pushing their way out on the backs of her hands, her chest and her stomach. She gasped, her mouth adjusting to the lengthened fangs, teeth that craved a taste of blood. Thankfully, that urge could be ignored. Overall, her anatomy differed only slightly; her height was increased by two feet at most, her legs altered just a little to better her agility. She had not lost herself to her emotions, her thoughts were still that of a human’s.

Throwing herself into a run, she could smell Leon and followed him. The scent of blood was also present and she grew concerned – An emotion that merged with those already boiling inside of her. The ground passed beneath her and he grew closer, her amber eyes searched almost desperately for him. She felt that sinking feeling again when she found him, his fur splashed with blood that wasn’t his own. Acacia noticed the twitching bodies with a dismissive eye, keeping her attention on both her mate and the remaining strangers. She moved nearer to Leon, for her own safety more than anything, but kept herself from getting too close.

He snarled at them and she growled at him, “You can’t question the dead. If they know something about what happened, I want to hear it.” Was he even listening to her? She doubted it. He wanted to kill for revenge; she wanted answers to her questions. Sparing a glance to see his expression, she could almost read his thoughts. He wanted to hunt. Was this how this war was going to go? The Elders watching as their pawns took petty stabs at the other’s ranks?

Her mate let out another growl.

There’s no way I can even stop him…

[Stream]

Though the meeting with Leon didn't produce more than a mediocre compromise, it was better than nothing. The Alpha's behaviour was too belligerent for any real reasoning or agreement. Leaving the obviously angered couple was a wise decision. Even Lilith was able to blow off a little steam in a rant to Hector.

"So first he wants no part of our battle, then he says he wants blood. What changed his mind so quickly? And why do you suppose he wants all that land? Is it some wild animal instinct, to run free in the woods?" she asked. "Well you're a lycan, do you ever have such an urge?"

"Not all of us lycans are blood thirsty animals. There are certain..." Hector shivered for a moment and clenched his teeth at the mere thought of transformation. "tendencies that we can't control. But we're all still a bit human on the inside. We're just a little more drawn together. Leon's an Alpha, he's trying to get what's best for his pups. But like you said about his bitch, he may not be what's best for them."

An eerie feeling washed over Hector walking through the streets of Denver. There were still people all around in such a large city, but none of them seemed to notice or care about his and Lilith's banter. The world had changed so much over the decades. His body may have retained his young physique, but on the inside he was still more than a decade old.

"I'm sure you and Acacia could be much the same. You were probably a pretty young thing before you turned into a vampire. Even your attitude hints at it. A lot of women would be attracted to Leon; he's intimidating and looks confident. Probably like the same person who made you into a creature of the night." The lycan smirked a bit after he finished. Women were always too worried about everyone else. His eyes narrowed as he focused on Lilith. "Sorry if I am rude, but you don't seem to fit too well with you rank. Are you used to working alone or something?

Hector shrugged, realizing he was only instigating another rant from the vampiress. A heated debate out in the cold was only going to make them both more iritable. Besides, the idea of a warm meal and cold drink was sounding more and more pleasing.

"Something to eat? Sounds more like you could use something to drink. We can discuss this over a glass of wine. We're right in the hotel anyways, not like either of us have to worry about moderation." Hector extended an arm towards Lilith. "walk or taxi?"

[Mysteria]

With a sneer on her lips Marissa turned to the group behind her, ready to chastise them for their constant talking. Hadn’t they learned anything about Lycans and the fact that Lycan’s had a keen sense of hearing? If they kept that up …

Too late! The alpha male growled a single word “Sanguine”. Marissa heard it and knew what would be coming next. There wasn’t even time to warn the others before he came crashing through the fence. Marissa watched as Leon Wulfschild attacked with a ferocity that rivaled her own when protecting her pack. Marissa fought the urge to turn as she wished to remain calm and hopefully show the Alpha male that she was not going to try to hurt him or any of their kind. For the sake of her own protection though she began a partial transformation as was usual with her. Rarely ever did Marissa go through a complete change. A growl from deep within her escaped as the partial transformation began. Golden fur began to show itself as her legs and arms began growing in size. Feral fangs pushed forth as fingernails grew into claws.

With a leap Marissa bounded to a position placing herself between the circling Alpha male and Dice. She didn’t doubt Dice’s capability to fend for herself but being the Alpha female, it was her duty and responsibility to help protect her in any way that she could. Besides, Marissa doubted highly that Dice knew the full extent of what a Lycan in a state as that of Leons current state was capable of.

Leon’s mate approached in a less threatening manner than Leon had.

“You can’t question the dead. If they know something about what happened, I want to hear it.”

Wulfschild’s mate was obviously the reasonable one of the pair. Marissa chose her words carefully. “Your mate speaks with wisdom Wulfschild. I am known as Golden Moon” Marissa spoke bravely, showing no fear of the Alpha male. Fear lived not within Marissa since Sebastian’s passing. Her life had changed so dramatically and everyone that she had ever loved or cared for had been savagely taken from her, which had caused her to become totally living her life with no fear. Speaking calmly, Marissa continued. “I know not what your mate speaks of, I only know that the clans are at war and if left up to the elders, it will rip the clans apart whether we want it to or not. Not everyone thinks as the elder Joseph does.”

Marissa turned to look at Dice, hoping that she had not said too much and that Dice would realize that they were no match for the Lycan couple. In the couples frenzied state, they would surely both be ripped to pieces.

“If you wish to attempt to prevent us from leaving now, then be my guest. Otherwise we are leaving. If you feel a need to contact me when you have calmed down and can speak to me civilly, then I can be reached at the Ritz Carlton for the next day or two. “

Marissa began to back up slowly, her eyes never leaving the Lycans face and ready to attack if it were called for.

[Anne Bonny]

"A taxi sounds lovely," Lilith said slowly. "I feel as if I've been walking all night."

Her blue eyes sized up the lycan as she took his arm. He had handled her complaining rather well, she realized, taking everything in stride and interjecting his own opinions here and there. Opinions that made her glance at him in surprise as they walked. "You don't seem to fit too well with you rank," and "You were probably a pretty young thing before you turned into a vampire." Hector may be an Omega, but he was no coward, Lilith decided.

She turned back to the street as a cab eagerly pulled up in front of them. "I may not be young anymore," Lilith said, partly to herself, "but I'd like to think I'm still a 'pretty thing.'"

The taxi greeted them with the creaking of vinyl seats, but was pleasently clean. As if to confirm her earlier comment, the driver's eyes settled on Lilith in the rearview mirror for just a few seconds too long before pulling away from the curb. It was something she had grown used to, however, and the vampiress brushed it off.

Instead she turned her attention back to her companion, but this time she chose her words a bit more carefully. It was one thing to speak of their species and nighttime habits while walking past bars where the drunks wouldn't have heard them correctly anyway, but it was quite another to mention the word "werewolf" while in close quarters with a human.

"To answer your question, Hector, I do prefer to work alone, although I'm sorry if I'm so transparent. I just... It's difficult to trust others. Especially those of a different... group. I can always rely on myself, however."

Lilith didn't mention how the vampire who had turned her had left her to find her own way just days later in persuit of other prey. Or how Rhett Butler had shown her the time of her life night after night and then faded into oblivion immediatly after the Rasputin mission. Or how her own elders, although she had proven herself time and time again, had failed to advance her within her clan for over a decade. Instead she fell silent, her eyes turned to the window as they drove past yet another crowded nightclub.

The taxi ride was thankfully short, and in only a few minutes they arrived at their hotel. With a sigh Lilith dismissed her thoughts and waited for the driver to open her door before stepping out into the chilly night air. When she did, however, she felt a slight tug on her arm and turned to see the driver holding her back. Lilith opened her mouth in protest, but the man quickly produced an envelope that seemed to glow white in the moonlight. Her eyes fell on the red seal that marked it's front like a wound. Marked with a C.

"I was instructed to give this to you, Miss," the cabbie said with a smirk, obviously enjoying her surprise.

Lilith took the letter and ran her hand over the seal. "Instructed by whom?"

But with another smirk the driver turned and got back into his seat. Before she could say another word, the taxi was heading off into the night.

Furious, Lilith stuffed the envelope into her pocket and stalked to the curb to take her place at Hector's side. "It's from Conzetta," she said before the lycan could ask. Although curiosity was already building inside of her, she waved her hand dismissivly. "They always have something to say."

The inside of the restaurant was dimly lit and accented in deep reds, just as Lilith was hoping. The murmur of conversation and aromas from artistically created dishes warmed the air, instantly helping her relax.

"Oh yes," she purred as she removed her coat and took a seat. "This is perfect."

A waitress promptly appeared asking about drinks. "A vodka martini, dry, two olives." After Hector placed his order, Lilith continued her conversation from the cab ride, trying desperately to keep her mind off the mysterious piece of paper in her pocket. "I suppose the fact that I usually work alone is why I've never really met you before. I've heard your name here and there, but never..."

A sickening gulping sound came from her left, and Lilith turned in her seat to see a man gripping a steak with his bare hands, it's juices dripping all over the pristine white table cloth, tearing into it with his teeth.

The waitress reappeared with their drinks and Lilith reached for hers immediatly. "Something to eat?" the young girl asked politely.

"Not now," the vampiress growled back, perhaps too loudly for the small setting. "I do believe I've lost my appitite."

[Shin.Aether]

2 Days Ago

Sometimes the most dangerous thing a vampire elder could ever do was disrespect laws set down millenia ago. Other times a lust for blood and power was what started an Elder down the path to be betrayed. In these times harming younglings whether Lycan or Vampire was what tore apart notable Covens.

Sol had heard of Joseph's undoing in hunting down and killing Lycan pup's. This put a sour feeling in Sol's undying gut. A grand error in the ways of his once honored leader. There was a reason Vampires never hunted down younglings. The Rules and Regulations of the Masquerade, the most important rule # 9: The young do not share the crimes of the adults.

"WHAT!!! HOW DARE HE IGNORE THE RULES OF THE MASQUERADE!! THAT RULE WAS ONE I PERSONALLY SIGNED INTO LAW!!"

"No forget it I am packing up and heading to Denver. I have to set things right with the Bravado Alpha. Joseph has shamed the name of Sanguine, I will not stand for it. His father had he lived would strew his guts in the council chamber."

Shutting off the cell he shakes his head gathering weapons, clothes. And money in a nearby briefcase for these kinds of occasions. Secondly after packing his Claymore, Daggers, and Magnum. After packing his things he looked to some of his friends inside the tavern and sighed.

"Edward, Frank, George, Lisa take care of this place. If Joseph comes in looking around for things, burn it down and leave. It's no longer safe here."

After instructing his personal friends what needed to be done. Sol got into a limo and instructed the driver to the Airport. Sol couldn't believe what Joseph had done, he trusted and respected him. No longer would he do so, he felt like Joseph had spat in the face of his ancestors.

2 days later

Sol's private jet landed on the runway of Denver international. A mercedez M-Class sat on the tarmac awaiting him. He pulled out a cell phone and dialed a number to reach Cross. The fury in his eyes and face hadn't drained, his grey blue eyes had seemed foggier then usual at this point. Looking to the Driver that was in the car he turned his back slightly as he talked.

"Cross, plans have changed, I need you to make contact to the Bravado Alpha. Tell him it's imperative that we speak. If he threatens you in anyway, you tell him doing so will forfeit him from reaching his Promised Land. Take him to a safehouse and contact me from there."

Sol would have to contact Lilith and Dice himself if he wanted to make a move against Joseph. The fact that he was planning this himself didn't make himself feel any easier about it. He felt like he was betraying the only family he knew and loved with all his heart. But there were rules to fighting in a war, and without rules anything was fair game.

A sigh came to Sol's features as he reached inside his coat for the Magnum. Though the silver bullets were less accurate the full metal jackets. Sol was very accurate with the gun due to his vampire accuracy. He closed his eyes and thought in a condeming manner.

"Forgive me for this, but I can't trust you."

Firing the gun into the M-Class at the driver, Sol shot the driver five times in the head. The silver would turn his brain into mush as his blood turned to acid upon the impact. With the windows shattered, an alarm sounded. Quickly running to the vehicle, Sol holstered the gun quickly. And pulled the dead vampire from the vehicle. And jumped into the vehicle, having not driven himself for half a century it still felt familiar to him. He adjusted the mirror and put the car into four wheel drive. And drove off the tarmac. Turning the lights off to hide his position. He count his blessings that the GPS in the vehicle had been taken out. Otherwise he would be found easily.

"Damn you Joseph, damn you to hell."

[Stream]

"Sure a taxi's nice, but a walk would've been better. I could've put up with being out here in the cold a bit longer." Hector shrugged his shoulders as the taxi sped away down the road.

The first thing Hector noticed as the pair entered the main lobby was the warm air. His muscles relaxed a bit as the heat wrapped around his bare skin. The polished white tile floors gleamed under the light of a hanging, obelisk like chandelier. Along the walls were delicately crafted doric pillars, two surrounding each passage way. There was barely enough time to appreciate the beautiful interior before Lilith had dragged him into the hotel's dimly lit restaurant.

"Oh yes," she purred as she removed her coat and took a seat. "This is perfect."

The dark red theme coupled with velvet seating and the heated air were perfect. Hector couldn't agree more. He sunk slowly into the plush velvet seating. A waitress approached the table inquiring about drinks.

"A vodka martini, dry, two olives." The lycan could hear the stress in Lilith's words. She looked back at Hector. "I suppose the fact that I usually work alone is why I've never really met you before. I've heard your name here and there, but never..."

A man sitting at the table across from them was viciously chomping down onto a steak, the juices dripping onto the table cloth and his clothes. He was using his bare hands, like an animal.

"Grey Goose, club soda, twist of lime. Bring us a basket of bread as well." The waitress nodded once more, jotting down the orders into a small pad. She walked off through the maze of circular tables and disappeared into the kitchen.

"You've never what? You really wouldn't hear my name much if you're mingling with any other clan members, even though I've been an omega for decades now. I usually work alone as well or in small groups, if I'm not nomad. It's murder for lycans to be away from company for too long. When we're alone for so long, we turn into living vendettas." Hector smiled, as the waitress returned with their drinks and bread. "It doesn't matter right now. You're here."

The waitress poured a small dish of olive oil next to the bread basket. Hector tore off a small corner of bread and soaked it for a moment, oil dripping from it as he lifted it out and into his mouth.

"I don't know too much about you anyways. I've of course heard your name many times from others in the clan. When I visited the Loire Valley a few people wouldn't stop mentioning you. Are you trying to go for that mysterious vibe?" Hector took a few large gulps from his drink.

Leaning closer to Lilith, he was able to see her glinting blue eyes. "Then again, you don't know a lot about me either. How about you tell me how you became a creature of the night, and I'll tell you about Hector Roy."

[Anne Bonny]

Hector was using her curiosity against her, Lilith realized. And although she usually prided herself on being able to control a conversation, something about the lycan sitting across from her put Lilith at ease. He certainly was not the meek and nervous Omega she had met earlier that night. Perhaps she had underestimated her companion.

"Personal questions already, Hector?" Lilith asked with the arch of an eyebrow and the twist of a smile. "Alright, why not?"

After a sip of her martini she leaned in towards him, partly to keep her voice low in a public place. But also partly for the simple feeling of being closer this intriguing man. With a flutter of dark eyelashes she began. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6kfJJRLYc0)

"I was raised during a time when social status and good breeding actually mattered in how a girl lived her life. My family name was one of the most well known in all of Britain, so I had much to live up to. But my mother was a woman of beauty and grace, second only to the queen herself in reputation, and she taught me well.

"I had many suitors, but none of them seemed quite good enough. That is, until I met Mr. William Martin. It was at a bank holiday party, and a friend introduced him as a relative from out of town. Every girl at the party had her eyes set on him, and for good reason. He was tall, handsome, and ever so charming. Can you imagine my excitement when he focused his attentions on me?

"We danced and laughed for much of the night. I was young and eager, and overcome by his charms. He invited me for a walk in the garden, and though I knew it was improper to go off alone with him, I accepted. And that was the end of the human Lilith Jira."

She paused, contemplating her next words while taking another sip of her drink. Lilith's smile faded as she recalled that night. "I was frightened, of course. What girl wouldn't be? Vampires were creatures of legend, not an actual threat. And even then I realized my life as I knew it was finished. But William drew me close to him and said that I belonged to the night, that I was far too special to fade away with time as mortal would. That anything short of eternity would be a waste.

"Of course, when a man mentions forever to a young girl, she's bound to believe it. I gave him everything. And he left only six days later in search of new prey."

Her gaze rose to meet Hector's eyes. "But there's nothing one can do about the past but learn from it. You asked why I work alone. It's not to be mysterious or any other silly reason. It's because when I get close to someone else, he usually ends up disappearing for one reason or another. Be careful, Hector. That wouldn't be good for either of us."

Too much! Lilith's mind screamed at her, and she broke their gaze again. Damn this lycan and those unwavering eyes! She felt too exposed before him, especially now. It was completely irrational for her to say as much as she had. Shaking her dark curls back over her shoulders in frustration, the vampiress reached for her drink again and took a bit more than a sip. When she set the glass back down, she flashed her companion a smile as if to show that she had regained her composure.

"Well, Mr. Hector Roy," Lilith said simply, steering the conversation away from herself. "Your turn."

[Crypes]

"You know, I feel kind of bad about this."

"What? Why? Davan is already known as a traitor. With him out of the way, I the elder won't suspect us."

"I know, it just feels weird."

One of the Elder's view screens crackled to life to show a pair of professionals as a third off screen reactivated the cheap camera. "Greetings elder. We're very sorry for the delay, but as you undoubtedly saw, we had an issue to take care of. Davan was a traitor, speaking of rebellion and death. He managed to kill three of us, including the Sergeant before we were able to bring him down."

The camera moved to a bullet ridden corpse missing it's head in the corner. It wore Davan's trademark suit, now nothing but bloody shreds. The camera then moved to view the professional that had spoken initially, pulling the cover off of a steel tray on the table to reveal the former Lieutenant's head. Eyes rolled back, mouth open wide. "As you can see, we have a present to deliver. Now please, give us orders. Do we continue on with the slaughter, or did you have something else in mind?"

They listened intently to the Elder's words, nodding appropriately and giving an affirmative response when he was done. "Your will be done, Elder." They finished, before nodding to the camera man to end the signal.

"The signal is dead sir, you can move now."

Davan's head blinked and shut it's mouth, looking around the room. "Very convincing performance gentlemen, due to that camera's terrible quality he'll have no idea. There's a lesson to be learned here, and that is to always supply even your grunts with nothing but the finest."

He kicked out the mirror that was hiding the rest of his body and pulled his head through the table, grimacing when the bloody handkerchief he'd used to hide his possession of a body ran over his lips. The dead blood was disgusting to the taste. He wiped it away with a dead professional's shirt and got to his feet, now wearing a replacement suit he'd kept in his car. "Enjoy the suit Sergeant, it's probably the most expensive thing you've worn in your life, bullet holes and all." He commented, looking over the headless corpse in the corner. "Now, let's get onto business. Continue patching up the Lycan survivors so we have something to offer their Alpha as a sign of good faith. I doubt he'll be too eager to speak to us while we masquerade about as his pack's killers...."

Davan's eyes went wide as he realized what he just said. Masquerade? How could he have forgotten? The Elder had order the execution of children, children! He'd broken a law! Davan may have had more support than he'd originally thought. While the professionals went about their work, he took the cellphone of one of the dead men and dialed the number of someone that knew the laws of the Masquerade like the back of his hand.

"Sol, it's Davan. We have issues to discuss....."

[Shin.Aether]

The Mercedes M-Class rolled up a mountainous enclosure to a sturdy wooden cabin. About a mile and a half from Denver, off the Interstate. The lights still shut off, the door opened, and Sol stood out of the vehicle going to the back. Grabbing a black leather suitcase and his Claymore, Spear, and Crossbow. He wandered towards the house and took out a wrought iron key. This house was old but well maintained. Standing back, he pushed the door open with the shaft of a spear. Seeing that the Elder had no knowledge of this place, gave Sol a bit of comfort. He'd managed to keep his safehouses privately.

As he entered the house finding everything covered in a thin layer of dust. He looked over to a vase filled with dead roses. They looked more ornamental beautifal then anything. Brushing it aside Sol stacked his clothes and weapons on a nearby spruce oak desk. A gift from Josephs father, Altrimar. He sighed missing his previous Elder, that man reminded him of the old Sanguine. Shaking his head he heard his Cellphone as he flipped it open.
Recognizing Davan, gave him a little hope, maybe there were more friends in his fight then he thought.

"I agree Davan, I am sure you've heard of Joseph's transgressions?"

Although Sol had the ability to trust Davan, he knew Davan could be lying as well. Though he had little doubt that Davan could be a traitor. At this point giving Davan the benefit of doubt would serve a purpose.

"I will tell you what I know, Joseph has violated the ninth rule of the Masquerade. A law I personally signed into law, along with Lycans more then a century and a half ago. When Joseph was little more then a youngling himself. I will tell you now, Joseph has shamed the Sanguine name. I am sure with the Bravado Alpha. This is as much a pretext to declare a total war against the Sanguine. A war no clan should ever have to wage, with that said. I no longer consider myself the Retainer to the Elder."

Taking what Davan said into consideration he listened to his feelings. With the face of a Retainer, no fear, nor malice present upon his face. Closing the door to the cabin Sol took note of the snow falling outside now. A slight smile came to his face as he'd always been a fan of winter. It set his precautions aside that non of the Elders assassins would find this place.

"Davan, if you're up to it come to Denver. Loose your security detail and park your vehicle a mile and a half outside Denver. Fire a flare and I'll see it and I'll meet up with you. Take your time though, there's some unfriendly buisness I need attend to. If the Bravado Alpha will accept me, I have to gain his trust. If you don't hear from me in two days, assume I am dead and gather Lilith and Dice, if you can trust them."

Acknowledging the rest of it he bid Davan well and shut the phone off. He knew the Elder could track him using the cell phones carrier wave. When he could gather those trustworthy he would have to encourage them to destroy the phones. For now all he could do was wait for Cross to contact him. He had to make contact albeit forcefully and make an offer he couldn't refuse.

Pulling his Claymore from his things, as well as some silver rounds for his .45. Sol set his chair by the side of the door and loaded five more rounds. Holstered the gun, and unsheathed his claymore, with one window built into the house they wouldn't suspect anyone here. Sol wait his hand clenched to his Claymore as if suspecting any second an assassination squad would come.

Sol knew in times of war, anyone or anything could become your enemy. All he could hope for was that some would see Joseph's actions as wrongs.

"You've drawn your line in the sand Joseph, now I am on the other side. Ready to watch you step onto my side."

[Flex]

It had happened so fast; the Bravado alpha male--Leon Wulfschild--tearing through the fence, teeth bared, eyes glinting; it was a mad, exhilarating, terrifying sight. Immediately, Dice took out her sword and instead of focusing on its glimmer or the almost artistic reflections the sultry moonlight made against the blade, she focused all her attention on the enemy… because that was what he was…

The enemy.

Dice could feel the professionals pulling out their own swords; Rowena next to her accidentally letting her puny blade fall from her clumsy fingertips and dropping to the floor, scrabbling for the weapon desperately. Dice couldn’t help but scorn her; this desperate girl--this professional--she was pointless… worthless… hopeless… “Get a grip of yourself,” Dice had the aggressive urge to snap at the girl, because really, this wasn’t the time to start going all butterfingered.

But there were more important things to focus her attention on… like the gigantic werewolf before her, with razor-sharp claws and testosterone basically dripping from his fangs. For a second, everything was quiet--perfectly still--then he attacked; aiming straight for Tobias. The next few seconds were nauseating; devastating; terrifying. Claws outstretched and eyes betraying his lust for murder, Leon Wulfschild advanced upon the vampire Dice had only moments before been conversing with, ripping him to pieces; he only had time to scream--a long, lingering, piercing wail--before his head was suddenly lying next to his dismembered body.

The other professionals began to attack.

Dice swung around and the bullets began springing into the air; at least some people were using their brains… sort of. Rowena was clinging to the group, screaming to herself--Dice had absolutely no idea how anyone, even Joseph, could consider the poor girl ‘professional’… there was something so obnoxiously vulnerable and feminine about her; the way she lay on the floor, screaming for Tobias. “Get a grip of yourself,” Dice snapped at the professional, slapping her sword against her back, perhaps a little too hard; the impact had Rowena falling face-first, with a gasp, into the dust… and staying there, despite still being alive. With a snort, Dice turned away.

Meanwhile Leon had continued well into his massacre and there were only few professionals left--including Rowena, who was wailing into the dust--Dice stood along them and she pulled out her sword, gazing steadily at the attacker. Her vampire eyesight caught his form in the bewitching darkness; all jagged and unbearably masculine; horrible, to be honest. Dead professionals--their bodies unzipped, slashed, completely mutilated beyond recognition--lay at her feet.

She wanted to feel something, yet she didn’t want to feel anything. She wanted to… she wanted to cry, to be honest. Just hide in a hole and cry--not just about this, but everything; her past, her present, her future… but no. No. She would fight on. Dice had raised her sword, ready to attack--and somewhat ready to die--when Marissa intervened.
There had been some sort of confrontation going on between Wulfschild and his gorgeous partner--obviously the Alpha Female from the way she held herself--“you can’t question the dead,” Dice heard the lycanthrope tell her partner. Marissa walked up to the two, moonlight glimmering down her elegant form as she did so.

“Your mate speaks with wisdom, Wuflschild,” she spoke, her voice clear and solid. “I am known as Golden Moon…” the next few minutes passed with Marissa talking to the barbaric Bravado leader as if absolutely nothing had happened. Dice watched in almost disgusted amusement as Bravado and his wife--obviously not very intelligent considering she was married to a psychopath like him--listen to what Marissa had to say.

Because obviously nobody had died tonight; of course not--there had just been a tiny argument and with Marissa as a mentor, everything would turn out okay. Of course, Dice thought to herself sarcastically, lowering her defences to gaze at the professionals; they were all standing--surrounded by their mates, now drained of life, unsure what to do, everything will be alright.

Marissa came back to their group, and they all seemed to… shuffle around her. They stood in a circle; they said nothing--and they broke apart and, together, began to retreat. Dice put her sword away and swung around in the darkness, just able to make out the disappearing forms of the werewolf and his partner. She thought about his claws and how they had had smashed through Tobias; crumpling the structure of his bones.

“We can’t let them get away with that,” she heard herself tell Marissa, “we can’t--and we won’t.” As she said the words, she realised she meant everything she meant; they had been disgraced tonight, they had lost several members and now everything was supposed to be ‘okay’. It was not okay and Dice was more aware of this than anyone else, besides she already had her mind set...

Leon Wulfschild would die.

[StormWolf]

He stood there for what felt like an eternity, burning gold eyes glaring at the ramshackled remains of the enemy group. Three women, one on the ground, wailing the pitiful cry of a prey creature bound to meet it's designed fate at the hands of the perfect predator. Blood-thickened saliva glistened in the moonlight. He wanted more. He wanted to kill them all. All the same, all pup-killers and oathbreakers. He would have ripped into them and forged on their warm and femenine bodies were it not for Acacia's voice; the music that sooths the savage beast.

With a growl, Leon changed back to his human form. His bones breaking back into place, his muscles degrading to become his still-astounding musculature. Though he was smeared with blood, a silver slug forming a stud in his shoulder, his eyes were still feral. The blood on his face gave way to burning tears. His rage gave way to grief. He did not weep or bawl, the tears just roll down his hard face.

"Questions. Tell me, does killing our young fill you with a sense of power? Does it!!?" Leon yelled, advancing towards the group, his nude form catching the moonlight with a deadly grace. His fingers were still topped with claws and his teeth were still that of a canine.

"I was always lead to believe that your kind were the smarter ones. Any person who knows the Truth knows this simple and crucial rule: Never give a Lycan a reason for revenge. The Sanguine has gone and made the mistake of making this MY war! I will kill your Clan wherever they may turn. I will eat Joseph's heart and that of his precious offspring! You're Clan started this!" Leon yelled, his voice cracking in anger, grief, and misery. They deserved to die, all of them.

"I never want to smell your Sanguine stink again. Tell your master that. Either stay away from us and leave us at peace, or I will force the Sanguine to extinction. Now get out of my sight before I decide to kill the messenger." The Alpha watched the surviving Sanguine sulk away, avoiding the widely spread remains of their comrades. Once they were gone, Leon bit the silver slug from his shoulder and returned to the Pack. The looked at him indirectly, afraid that looking him in the eyes would set him off. He dressed himself once his body was wiped clean of blood.

"We go to the Evergreen Motel in Downtown." was all he said before pulling on his vest. He wanted to talk to Acacia, but the way she had been acting tonight, those glances of hers, told him that all was not well. He did not want to upset her any more than he already had. She deserved so much more, a husband not as flawed as he was. He would never lose faith in her, but he almost expected it the other way around because of the life he forced her to lead by being his beloved. So many promises he had made and not kept. Lilith was right, they all were right. He did not deserve her. Why did she love him? How can anyone love someone who hates themself?

"We leave. Now." his deep and solemn voice called once his mate returned to them. He revved his bike and lead them onward.

Why does she love me? Why does she stay with me? Why can't I give her more than everything?

[Mysteria]

"Questions. Tell me, does killing our young fill you with a sense of power? Does it!!?" Leon yelled, advancing towards the group, his nude form catching the moonlight with a deadly grace. His fingers were still topped with claws and his teeth were still that of a canine.


Marissa grabbed her gut when he spoke the words, almost falling to her knees. She had to force the tears to stay at bay. The pups. God no, not the pups. She was too late. It was too late. Her eyes looked to Acacia’s then back to Leon’s. She could barely speak. “Pups? The pups are dead?” Marissa wanted to wretch her dinner onto the ground. She wanted to tell Leon Wulfschild her reasons for being here but it was too late now and she couldn’t risk speaking it in front of Dice. Marissa backed up slowly almost tripping over the one called Rowena. At that moment Marissa wanted to kill something, someone and had the girl not been laying on the ground already helpless and stupefied Marissa would have killed her.

Marissa turned to leave on shaking legs. She could barely walk. The bodies of all the professionals lying on the ground around her at her feet had not caused even the slightest bit of sympathy to rise within her. Death had become common to her and these deaths were brought on by their own lack of professionalism and nothing else but the pups…she couldn’t get the images of slain pups out of her mind and flashing before her eyes was the very image of her own sons broken body laying in front of her again, torturing her mind once more. Try as she might she could not keep her tears from coming forth.

“We can’t let them get away with that,” she heard Dice’s voice “we can’t--and we won’t.”

Blinking back her tears Marissa glared at Dice while hissing through her fangs “Get away with this? You’ve much to learn. Those people are dead because they were stupid. Professionals? Hah. A true professional would have known better than to be so damned noisy around Lycans. They were sloppy. Their deaths lie within their own making. And Joseph? Why would he send us to face such a formidable foe as Wulfschild is with such incompetent fools as these so called self proclaimed professionals? And the pups? He broke a sacred rule! Pups!! Do not speak to me of revenge ever again Dice or it will be by my own hand that you shall die.” With that Marissa became quiet, thinking to herself exactly why would Joseph have sent such unreliable help?

Marissa studied Dice thoughtfully. Unlike Marissa Dice was a Vampire and showed no emotion. Marissa didn’t know what the young vampiress had been like before she had been turned but now she was as were almost all Vampires. Emotionless.

She was young and beautiful but had much to learn yet about death and about life as one who could literally live forever. Marissa spoke to Dice again her tone now much softer but still with a sharp edge to it. “What happened tonight was inevitable, but the truth is we should both be thankful that we weren’t each one of his victims. If he showed mercy it was only because we are female and he is a Lycanthrope and unlike MOST Vampires, he still has the capacity for human feelings.

When they again reached their hotel Marissa watched as Dice stepped into the elevator before she walked over to the night clerk to pick up the envelope that Stephen had told her would be waiting for her. Marissa decided to take the stairs to her room. She needed to walk -to be able to think. Upon entering the stairs she opened the envelope and took out the key before crumpling the envelope and putting it into her pocket. Marissa rolled the key between her fingers as she ascended the stairwell lost deeply within her own thoughts. What exactly did this key represent? Would she be dishonoring Sebastian by accepting it? Would Sebastian want her to accept it? Would he have really not wanted her to endure the suffering that she had endured by Josephs very own hand as Stephen had suggested earlier that very night? What would become of the clan that Sebastian had so dearly protected, had even given his very life for? And Joseph..he WAS mad. He had ordered the pups killed and she had failed in trying to stop his commands from being carried out.

Marissa sunk to her knees, weeping. The pups…she had failed. She had failed herself. She had failed to uphold the very virtues that Sebastian had believed in. The key slipped from her fingers. Reaching down and picking it up Marissa stood back up, gripping the guide rail tightly to steady herself. Would the key and whatever she found awaiting her back in New York ultimately become the death of her, or would it become her freedom? She shook herself as she tried to focus. She could barely keep herself moving up the steps and had it not been for the railing she would have had to force herself to move step by painful step back to her floor. As it was, she had to lean on the railing to help herself get back up those flights of steps. Marissa thought she heard a sound in the quiet stairwell and after a moment of listening decided she must have merely been hearing things.

Her imagination was already running wild and she was feeling very confused. She chalked it up to her emotions having been running ramped. It had been years since Marissa had sought out the company of a male other than for the purposes of her own gratification. No one had come close to Sebastian and she doubted that anyone ever again would but tonight oh God, tonight how she wished she would not have to endure the darkness alone. Finally mustering the strength to pull herself up the remainder of the steps Marissa made it to her room and lay across the bed until finally drifting off into a restless sleep.

[MidKnight]

Chewing the meat and tearing it apart with his bear hands, this reminded Cross of the past when he use to be a out-caster. Ripping bodies apart, eating their hearts and drink their blood. He was in his own mind when he was eating the meat.

"So, what your planning to do? go to the Bravado clan and explain them that you betrayed them?" The hallucinated stranger asked him, sitting across from Cross. Breathing heavy as he kept the meat in his mouth, sucking on the blood. Although he was disappointed about no blood inside the meat. He called for the waiter once more. "Bring me a bloodier meat, raw." He demanded.

His nose twitched as some people started to stare at him, being nosy about Cross's business and his appetite. He could smell that there was somebody else here besides him. The Hallucinated stranger begin to laugh, although the people around his table couldn't see or hear him. "Aren't you suppose to be gone?" Cross asked as he looked around with bloody eyes. "Well I may not be your hallucinating image, I might be just a figment of your imagination." He chuckles

"Well if your a figment of my imagination, do you have a name?" Cross asked while still eating the meat.

"Only you would know." He says quietly.

Cross stares at him with curiosity, his nose begins to sense a smell in the diner. "There's a vampire in our midst." he says quietly and puts the meat down, he looks around and try's to find the smell. "Damn vampires think they can control everything." He says quietly as possible. "Well you are working with them as a clan."

[Auki]

Acacia stood tensed, waiting for his reaction, feeling somewhat vulnerable beside his hulking body. Her fangs in this hybrid form would barely dent his skin – Even fully transformed, she would struggle to draw blood. The minute she noticed his form becoming more human, she released a breath, realising that she had been standing on the tips of her toes while she’d waited. She was nervous – Not because of the Sanguine; they were no threat to her with Leon around – but because she had no idea what was going through her husband’s mind. She watched passively as he yelled at their enemies and followed him when he turned and left.

Her clothes lay in a heap on the floor and she grunted at them - Their tight fit meant she had to dismiss them whenever she transformed even slightly and sometimes, she found it a pain. The chilled air was beginning to reach her body and she shivered, allowing her form to return to its original state and donning her clothes. She was weary – Getting dressed seemed to take more effort than usual. Pulling her shirt over her head, the quiet and her exhaustion seem to press down on her. As always, her thoughts refused to give her a moment’s rest.

Am I doing the right thing? Who do I put first, my husband or his child? Is there any way to have both without destroying one of them? The child needs me as its mother; What about Leon? Does he truly need me?

I mean, I’ve been a little moody lately, but that’s just because I’m stressed. I know, I know, he’s stressed too but… Oh god, if he’s stressed now, won’t he be more stressed when he hears about the baby? I don’t want him to get distressed… or upset…What if he tries to push me away from the fighting? He couldn’t, could he? Not after what happened to the pups…

What do I do?

She was walking towards her bike, chewing on the back of her wrist as she did, small teeth marks indenting her skin as she released all her frustration through the pain – An old habit that she had promised Leon she’d given up. Her arms were crossed, her nails scratching at her arm, revealing the raw flesh beneath the first few layers. It glistened in the moonlight and she mentally forced herself to stop, busying herself by mounting her motorbike and gripping the handles with more force than needed.

Leon revved his engine and she followed after him as he exited the premises, deep in thought.

Will he still love me when I get fat?

So many questions she didn’t know the answers to.

[Mysteria]

Sleep evaded Marissa and she had spent most of the night tossing and turning. She was up early and the first thing she did was send message to Joseph that they would be returning later that day. After notifying Dice and the others that they would be leaving shortly she began the process of packing her belongings. There was nothing more to be done in Denver by the Sanguine Clan. They had failed and in the process lives were lost.

A short time later Marissa along with Dice and the remaining professionals were on their way back to New York. Marissa was quiet as she was absorbed in her own thoughts. Joseph would not be pleased at their failure. She would bare the brunt of his wrath alone. She would be the one held responsible, The failure was hers. She had failed him and knew his anger would be great and that it would be directed at her.

She remembered the last time she had not performed her duties to his expectations. A cold chill shot through the female lycan causing her to shudder at the recollection of the memory. Joseph was a master of his art who was more than capable of using his methods to control her and cause her to do things she normally never would consider doing. She could only hope that in the many years since the happening of that event that she had grown stronger and would be able to better fend for herself.

Removing the key from her pocket she held it in her hand. Studying it she contemplated it's significance. She considered Stephen's words with much thoughtfulness. A promise made. Breaking that promise would seem almost sacrileges to her. She couldn't get what Stephen had said out of her thoughts.

Sebastian would not have you endure this for the sake of 'loyalty'. Trust me when I say this; I knew him. He would never approve of that."

The words repeated themselves over and over in her mind. Could Stephen really be correct? He was an elder, surely he had known Sebastian but who was Stephen? She knew of no elders by that name. Maybe he was right after all, maybe Sebastian wouldn't want her to stay where she knew she would never again be happy. Maybe it wasn't up to her to try to save Sanguine from Josephs ways and try to bring it back to the glory that it was when Sebastian had been there.

The plane touched down and Marissa hid the key again where she knew it would be safe. The ride back to the house of Sanguine was quick and Marissa slipped into the house with the others knowing that it would not be long until she would have to face Joseph, it was only a matter of time. She made her way to her room to try to unpack and gather her thoughts hopefully before he would become aware that they had returned. It was true that she was prolonging the inevitable but she needed those few moments.

She needed time.

[Stream]

“Is personal a little too much for you, Lilith? Perhaps good breeding and manners is still most important?” Hector tilted his head back, finishing off the last of his drink, leaving only half-melted ice cubes left. As the vampiress spoke her story, Hector would eat the remaining ice from his drink. Eye contact was enough to show he was interested and listening, but judging by Lilith’s upbringing social etiquette was something to be admired.

“I can’t say I’ve had much experience with your kind. I’ve never been able to stay in one place too long due to my condition. But, before that, I was actually moving up from a crumbling plantation to accompanying some of this country’s elite all over the world. Back when I still had a future.” As Hector finished, the waitress reappeared to gather his empty glass and refresh him with a new vodka club, wedge of lime already in the glass. He sipped it a few times before hesitantly continuing.

“Boring you with the minor details isn’t something I want to do, but I’ll start from the beginning regardless. It’s amazing how we’ve lived our lives the exact opposite. Rather than being born to an upper class family like yourself, I was born into an impoverished Acadian family in Louisiana, barely able to feed themselves after the slaves were freed. Damn near half of them left the delta and booked off north. Of course, a few still stayed behind, afraid of the violence they’d undoubtedly face on their journey. It’s really the only company I had as a child. There wasn’t much industry besides the peppers we grew, but I was never allowed to travel to town. As soon as I was old enough, I left the plantation behind, hoping to start a better life in a city like New York.”

He paused for a second to sip his drink, eyeing Lilith as she did the same. It was peculiar for someone like her to open up so quickly, though it may have just been Hector’s arrogance. The more they talked, the more personal things seemed to get. He decided that opening up completely to her would be enough to annoy her a bit and break the act he suspected she was giving him.

“You know, you’ve already told me everything about yourself. Just from the little bit you’ve told me I can judge your character, your hobbies, what appeals to you and what annoys you. Telling you everything about me would only be something for you to use to judge me. Maybe we should just get to know each other naturally,” He smiled a bit as he spoke, “or would you rather me just hold this over you? Perhaps the clan’s kept track of my history or have done background checks. Will anything I say really surprise you?”

Hector’s second drink had already been finished before Lilith had dented her first. At this rate he would need to be carried back to their room. Keeping with his rude habits, he began to eat the ice out of his glass, sucking off the lime residue of each cube.

“I’ll be honest with you. I don’t understand why you’re so keen to be personal, yet seem so introverted. Am I a special case? A person who you to whom you don’t act your rank?”

[Shin.Aether]

With the snow that had fallen the previous night. The white Mercedez M-Class rolled up to the front of the Ritz Carleton a vallet stood at the opposite side of the vehicle. As the black suited Sol stepped out of the drivers seat. His grey blue eyes looked upon the building with a light smirk. He'd been one of the few people who watched the construction of this place. It brough back some memmories of better days in the house of Sanguine.

Stepping outside of the vehicle he tossed the keys to the vallet without a word. And headed inside to find his team, of course he wondered if they were still there or not. But regardless he had to find some of those who had come here to do untold attrocities. It would be for nothing if the Bravado Alpha had slaughtered them all. His plans to take Joseph's tyranny down, for nothing. He supposed he could gather neutral vampires to stage a ruthless assault.

He walked in and headed to the bar area hoping to find a familiar face. Idily he wandered over to the counter and sat down so as not to draw attention to himself. Despite that, he smelled a Lycan nearby, though it hardly mattered to him who it was. Sol kept his guard up, thinking about his plans. He'd have to find Marissa, being she was one of the few Lycans in the house of Sanguine. He still trusted her, he felt she could be trusted, since she abhored the death of pups, or any youngling thereof.

Calmly he layed a few dollars on the table and ordered a glass of scotch. When it came he held it in his hand taking soft sips of the liquid. And looked around to spot familiar faces. He would wait until one of his comrades would spot him. And then tell them of his plans, however if they were all dead. He would hate to have to do the damage control, especially if it entailed burning the room down. It would become much harder to slip out unnotticed.

[StormWolf]

Leon remained a shadow of himself the entire way to the motel. He didn't speak make any other noise than the sound of him breathing. His knuckles were white and they cracked constantly, he gripped his bike so hard. One thing kept passing through his head, that scent and that noise he picked up when he walked passed Acacia after the fight. Through the blood, sweat, and tears, Leon could smell something that was similar to fear. Why would his mate be afraid of anything? He swore to protect her, no matter the cost. Her heart fluttered when he walked by, he heard it.

Am I such a monster that the only thing I live for is afraid I might turn on her? Do I really ispire such fear that even the only thing I love flinches at my approach?

The thought itself made Leon sick to his stomach and made his eyes burn. He felt an emptiness in him as he thought back. She had been acting different around him, towards him ever since they made love several weeks ago. Was she finally tired of his obcessive devotion? Was she fed up with him and his love? He could understand if she was, but that didn't make it hurt any less. If she left him because he scared her away, he would find the person holding his ending wound would be himself. With that thought, Leon even looked down at the pistol strapped to his thigh, he could almost feel the cold barrel against his own temple.

Shaking his head, the Alpha brough himself back to reality in time to make the turn to the motel. He wasted no time or words getting the room, he just wanted to hide himself from his pack. He wanted to hide the weakness building in him, the spreading crack in his armor. Leon opened the door to the room he and Acacia shared. They needed to talk.

Going inside and closing the door, Leon leaned against the cheep wooden barrier to the harsh reality, his legs feeling too wobbly and his stomach to twisted to stand on his own.

"Acacia..." Leon began, his voice barely sounding like his own; it sounded weak. It trembled. The poor man was terrified. "... Do you still love me?" he asked, turning to look his dearly beloved in the eyes. He went and sat on the bed, running a hand through his hair.

"I mean.... I know I am not the best thing to wake up in the morning and look at..." he started, unconciously running a finger along the pale scar that marred his otherwise handsome face. "I know I am not rich or all-powerful... Hell, I'm not even that smart... Yet you chose me among all of the other potential mates you could have had." The man's lip trembled, his yellow eyes reflecting their faint light on the streams running down that rough face of his.

"Have I ever told you how I really feel about you, Acacia? I have said 'I love you' more times than I can count, but that doesn't even cover the beginning of it." Leon, with all of his strength, was now so weak and frail. He was a slave to himself. That was his vice to counter his hulking strength.

"If you had not found me all those years ago, I would be dead. Acacia, you are my proof that there is a God. I was one day away of putting silver through my head, and you found me. You reached into my chest and warmed a heart I forgot I had. You gripped me tight and raised me from predition. You...complete....me." Leon stood and walked up to his darling wife, placing his hands on her arms, her soft skin sending warmth through him.

"This sorry excuse for a man you see before you lives for you. Without you, I will be nothing again. I'm afraid to die, Acacia. I am afriad of what will happen to you if I go. I don't want to to look at me like a stranger anymore. If you have anything to tell me, anything at all... please... don't keep secrets from me. I can never be angry at you.... I love you too much."

Leon finished, his hands trembled at her arms. He sniffed as fresh tears worked their way down his stony face. He was so weak now, he felt that if Acacia pulled away, he would fall and shatter like a fine porcelean statue.

[Auki]

Damn it, she could barely keep her attention on the road ahead. She was breathing way too fast – What was the word? Hyperventilating… She was so nervous she couldn’t regulate it, nor did she care to. Her stomach was painful; she wasn’t sure if it was due to pregnancy or sheer anxiety - Perhaps a mixture of both? She wanted to cry but she wouldn’t let herself break like that in front of her pack. She had to stay strong…always strong…just for Leon.

Damn it woman, start breathing like a normal fucking person.

…Wait, why was she angry with herself? She hadn’t done anything wrong… She was just scared. Scared, upset and angry all at the same time – All those emotions and no way to vent them. She was going to drive herself insane. Don’t cry, Acacia – Not just yet.

The ride to the motel seemed eerily quiet despite the roaring of engines – The pack seemed to have picked up on the Alphas’ moods. Her fingers clenched on the handlebars and she could still feel the sensitive skin on the back of her wrist where she had bit it; the scratching of her gloves over the sore area soothed her in a way she couldn’t describe. Heck, maybe she was just as much a threat to the child’s mental health as he husband was. She was going to be a terrible mother - she just knew it. Of course, the thought made her eyes water and she was forced to focus her mind elsewhere.

She felt relief when they finally reached the motel but the feeling was quickly diminished as she saw her mate storm inside. Parking her bike a little too hastily, she jogged anxiously after him. What had happened now? Was it her? What had she done? By the time she entered the building, Leon wasn’t in sight – She was forced to get directions to their room from the receptionist, ascending the stairs as quickly as she could despite her stomach cramps.

Gritting her teeth, she finally made it to their room just behind him, forcing the door open roughly and slamming it behind her. Damn it, she still wasn’t breathing normally. It sounded like she was freaking panting. “Leon, what the hell? You practically ran up here.”

"Acacia... Do you still love me?"

She silenced herself almost instantly, staring at him in confusion. “L-…Leon, I…”

"I mean.... I know I am not the best thing to wake up in the morning and look at..." Her mouth stayed slightly parted, words failing to come out as Leon began to pour his heart out. He didn’t let her get a word in – She thought he might be too scared to let her speak until he was done. Is this really what he thought? She didn’t even realise she was crying – Her hastened breaths turned into sobs. Damn it, she hated people seeing her cry; it made her look ugly.

She let her head hang, staring at her feet, her shoulders shaking, pushing herself forward to lean her head against his chest. There was so much she wanted to say but she wasn’t sure how to say it. She mumbled a few incomprehensible words, dug her nails into his back and bounced up on the tips of her toes a few times – She didn’t meet his eyes in fear he was looking at her like she was insane. She knew what she wanted to do, what she wanted to say, so why couldn’t she just say it?

“Leon,” she mumbled through her sobs, “I don-…I don’t know…what to say…and all.”

She shook her head, trying to subdue her tears slightly so she could talk seriously. It was more difficult than she thought.

“See, you’re s-…so good with words. I’m not – I babble. Don’t deny it, we both know I’m terrible with sit-…with situations like these. I always crack at the most important of times. I’m self-conscious, insecure, overly protective, paranoid and…and…so much more - Oh god, I swear I’m just useless as an Alpha…as a wife…an-… and it’s not your fault I think that before you say anything. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have the confidence to show myself in public for heck’s sake. I’m…I’m just scared. I’m so scared.

You never look the same after you’ve had a baby, Leon. Never! My mother always used to complain about how having me destroyed her figure. An-…And my hormones. Babe, I’m going to be a bitch and you’re going to start hating me and I’m going to be an emotional freaking train wreck. It’s already happening now. Look at me! I’m uncontrollably horny one minute and crying my eyes out the next…

I- I love you. Of course I love you but oh god…oh god…”

She was crying too hard to form sentences now, terrified that she had ruined everything.

[StormWolf]

It was now Acacia's turn to spill her guts. She broke down just as he had, and that forced Leon to hold onto whatever strength he had left with a death grip. He had to retain whatever strength he had for her sake. He had sworn to protect her from anything, and he would keep that promise to the grave and beyond.

Leon's hands tightened on her arms when she called herself useless, he took a breath before speaking to her after she finished. His voice now sounded so gentle,

"Acacia, you stop speaking that nonsense. You are the best wife a man could ask for. No one is perfect, but you are the damned closest thing I have seen in my life." he placed kisses on her head and cheeks, tasting the salt of her tears as he held her close, wanting to protect her from all things malicious and harmful. He wanted her to be happy, more than anything, he wanted that. He sat them both down on the bed, her in his lap, his thick arms cradling her protectively. Why was she so worried about babies now? That was way down the road.

"Acacia, you are stressing over the furute too much. We can worry about the issue of babies once this whole war is over, right?" he smiled, kissing her again.

"And so what? If what your mother said is true, you will have the body of an angel instead of a goddess." Leon took a deep breath, "You can tell me anything, Acacia. Nothing could ever make me love you less. I want you to feel safe telling me anything, knowing that I will always love you more than life itself. No matter what may physically change about you, I will still love you. I made a promise, and no power of earth or heaven can make me break it."

[Auki]

“ …We can worry about the issue of babies once this whole war is over, right?"

Acacia had somewhat succeeded in her attempt to calm herself until he said that. Fresh sobs shook her body and she pressed herself closer to him, kissing him back with as much passion as she could muster in her distraught state. She was so damn good at this - Babbling streams and streams of words and getting nowhere. “Idiot,” she mumbled, punching him softly in the chest, “Idiot, idiot, idiot.” Still, she managed to smile through her tears as he spoke. Body of a goddess? Hah, goddesses weren’t scarred. Still, the sound of his gentle voice, the affection that coated his words, soothed her. She ran her hands along his muscled arms – Why was she so worried? Leon would be an amazing father and a more than good enough role model. He cared for the pack with all his heart – Why had she deemed that a bad thing…?

“I love you too, you flaming idiot,” she sighed, managing to catch her breath yet again, although trembling hands still tried to wipe the tears that continued to fall down her cheeks. Her make-up was ruined – She laughed softly as she tried to scrub the areas under her eyes free of the mascara that had run while she’d broken down. She must look a mess. She was more than tempted to bury her face in his chest and just fall asleep there. The world would be so much simpler if she could.

That was not how it worked though. Responsibility as a wife, and a mother, came first.

She shifted her body so she could look him in the eyes, firmly meeting his gaze despite her shaking hands. “I’m not talking about the future, Leon. I’m talking about now.” Emphasis was placed on each word – She couldn’t cope if he failed to understand again.

“I’m going to get bigger soon. The pregnancy hormones are already kicking in now.”

Her hands rubbed her stomach almost absently.

“Damn it Leon, I don’t worry about things way off in the future - I’m not like that. I’m worrying about it because it’s happening now.”

[StormWolf]

He looked into her eyes as she spoke to him, his heart feeling operational again once he saw her smile and felt her punches bounce off of his chest. She was getting better already. Women, give them a bucket for the tears and they will fix themselves.... most of the time. Leon's eyes locked in on hers as she drilled her words into his thick skull. Hie gaze drifted down to her hand, resting on that slim stomach of hers. He only just noticed that his own hand laid next to hers. Her skin was so soft compared to his, all of those pale scars marking his knuckles.

His head looked from their hands to her face then back again several times. His heart raced. He suddenly felt restless, like he could just jump up and dance a jig. His eyes widened,

"Acacia, are you saying... We're gonna be.... We're gonna have.... Oh baby!" he hugged her tight against him, pressing his lips to hers. He never thought he could love her more than he did, but with the news that he was going to be a father, he did indeed love Acacia even more than before.

"Acacia, why didn't you just tell me? Oh, I love you so much!" he held her tight, feeling her against him, feeling her heartbeat against him. The time was not perfect for her having a child, their child. In fact, it was some of the worst timing ever, but Leon didn't care any more. He was happy and he would make his wife happy, no matter the cost. His family would be happy and they would live.

That fire in Leon's blood was back. He knew what he had to do. That dark shadow of duty haunting the back of his mind. Joseph had to die....

*****

The House Sanguine
*****

"Sire, Marissa and Dice have landed in New York." A servant said, bowing to Joseph.

"Have that bitch sent here immidately! She is going to get a nice.... firm.... talking to." Jospeh twirled his hair on a finger, a sick smirk played on his face, just thinking about what he was goign to do to that bitch made him excited. She always responded well to his punishments. Her skin was soft and her nerves were responsive. Her screams were simply erotic when he brough the switch down on her shoulders. He could only imagine how she would scream and moan when he would....

Joseph shook his head, clearing his mind of his plans for Marissa tonigt. All in due time. "Bring her here immidately! Every minute she is not here tries my patience and will worsen the punishment."

[Anne Bonny]

As Hector spoke, Lilith's mouth began to turn downward in a frown. What audacity this Omega had! She had obliged him with her own personal story, and he repsonded by leaving out the details of his own. And then he claimed to be able to read everything about her! As if this wolf could possibly know her so well so soon. And he insisted on keeping up the annoying practice of digging into his glass for ice.

“I’ll be honest with you. I don’t understand why you’re so keen to be personal, yet seem so introverted. Am I a special case? A person who you to whom you don’t act your rank?”

Lilith took a long drink of her martini before responding. When she did, her blue eyes narrowed and her voice came out as little more than a hiss.

"You flatter yourself," she sneered. "Need I remind you, you're not exactly my type. It's probably just the vodka talking anyway."

The words stung as she spoke them, for up until now, Lilith had actually been enjoying his company. Hector was clever, and a good conversationalist, and it had been nice to have someone to talk with. But it was almost as if he were intent on driving her mad with annoyance. She shrugged and opened her mouth to continue, but a faint buzzing in her pocket was a welcome interruption. "Forgive me," Lilith simply said as she pulled out her phone. There was a brief email from the Valentine elders with an update on Joseph's latest actions. The vampiress was a bit irked that the news came so late, but for now, that was probably the least of her worries.

"Well, that explains why Leon was in such a foul mood," she said as she read the email, shaking her dark head slowly. "It seems that Joseph sent some of his professionals to destroy his pack's young. They succeeded in actually killing some of them. If this doesn't convince him to side with Valentine then... Damn it, Hector! Would you please get your fingers out of your glass?!"

Lilith stared at the lycan sitting across the table, the remainder of her patience flying out the window. "That is the most repulsive thing I have ever seen! I mean really, with those manners I might as well be sitting with that beast!" She waved her hand at the raw steak eater's table.

[Mysteria]

Marissa changed into something casual upon arriving at the House of Sanguine. She slipped into a pair of jeans, button down shirt and threw a sweat shirt on over top of it. She had just tucked the key away in a safe spot and had begun unpacking when she heard a voice at her door.

"Marissa the elder Joseph wants to see you immediately. He said not to make him wait!"

Rolling her eyes Marissa stopped what she was doing and replied through the closed door. 'Yes, of course." Opening the door and stepping into the hallway she was met by one of the servants. "The master said to bring you straight away." Marissa nodded and followed the servant in silence down the steps. Her heart was pounding but she remained calm. She would not allow Joseph to see fear within her again. The last time she had been punished she had been afraid to move let alone speak back to the Sanguine Elder. That was many years ago. She had not been defiant knowing full well that had she been his wrath would have been even more severe.

This time she would not bend to his will. Even if her defiance meant she would be punished worse she would remain strong. She would not allow him to...Marissa shuddered slightly at that thought as they rounded the corner. No, she would not allow Joseph to use his powerful methods of persuasion on her again. She would fight it, not allow him to control her, fall prey to his powers and not allow him to indulge in his sick perverse mannerisms. He would not again...

Her thoughts were interrupted as the servant swung open the massive doors to where Joseph awaited inside. The servant spoke "Sire Marissa has arrived" and then stepped back out of the doors closing them behind him leaving Marissa alone with the deranged Elder.

Marissa remained still by the doors her eyes lowered as she spoke in as steady of a voice as she could muster. "You wished to speak with me my Liege?" Marissa waited for the oncoming backlash that she knew would be forthcoming.

[Auki]

She gave a small yelp of surprise as he pulled her closer, trying to grasp an understanding of his obvious delight. He didn’t hate her, he wasn’t upset; On the contrary, he seemed ecstatic. Oh thank the freaking stars, her thoughts whispered as he held her tighter. She broke away from his lips and nuzzled against his strong neck, fluttering smaller kisses across his skin the way she knew he liked. Thank… Kiss. Freaking… Kiss. God. She gave a giggle of excitement but he had grown tense. She moved back to glance at his face and sighed.

“This is why, idiot,” she said, tugging lightly at his hair until she regained his full attention, “I know that look. I’ve seen that look far too many times and I don’t like it. We’re going to get through this but I’ll be damned if I let you run out there blindly chasing the bastard behind all this.”

She giggled again, her fingers traced down his body, playing bemusedly with the hair on his chest. “ You’ll just have to be a little less…rash for a while…just a little,” she murmured, punching him playfully and smiling when he didn’t even flinch. She was tired but excited, keeping herself awake through sheer willpower.

“Oh! Oh Leon! We’re going to have to start brainstorming names as well, right? Something European-Mediterranean, like mine, maybe?…I’d like that…”

She was exhausted, slumping so that her head rested on his shoulder. “Oh god, we’re having a baby, Leon,” she murmured dreamily, relief seeping through her body at the realisation that she had finally told him.

[StormWolf]

Leon grunted tightly as his beloved tugged at his hair yet again. He didn't know why he didn't shave his head, all the times she yanked that mane of his. No matter. She was smiling, and that was all Leon could really see.

"For you, Acacia, I will do anything. For our baby, I will do anything. For the both of you, nothing in creation could stop me from doing what you wanted." he smiled at her, his hands resting on her hips as he looked into her beautiful eyes.

"It will be a stretch, but I'll try and be more.... rational. That just means that you will always have to be at my side. Yanking my fucking hair." he smiled and laughed, kissing her again. "But I won't let anything hurt you or the beautiful child that grow inside you. I am going to kill Joseph. With him being dead, we can have our peace and we can have our home at long last." he laid down with her on the mattress, looking up at the ceiling,

"Imagine, an entire expanse of mountains to ourselves. All of the game and land our pack could ever need. Watching the kids play in the snow during the day, keeping each other warm at night.Teaching our little ones how to hunt when they reach the age of Awakening.... That is a future I am more than willing to kill for.... besides.... There is a score to settle." he held her close, nuzzling her, his hand resting on her abdomen, his finger circling her navel as he hummed happily.

“Oh! Oh Leon! We’re going to have to start brainstorming names as well, right? Something European-Mediterranean, like mine, maybe?…I’d like that…”

He smiled and nuzzled her again, "I was thinking Hope or Grace if it was a girl...."

***

((okay, I have to give an extra warning here. If anyone is upset/sickened by torture, do not read this))


Joseph turned and glared at the little beauty before him, his eyes tight with leashed anger. His pale skin and dark clothes gave him a befitting cold demeanor.

"Too many things have gone wrong this night, my dear. Far too many. Davan defecting; his mission obviously incomplete, and you failing to kill Leon. I have met the boy, powerful he is, but there should have been no way that he eliminated all of the Professionals I sent, conveniently leaving you and your friend Dice alive. Did you get on your knees and beg, or did you do something else while on your knees to convince him to not kill you? I swear, you Lycanthropes are like rabbits on viagra." he walked up to her and held her by the chin, his lifeless fingers cold against her face. With a disgusted sigh he back-handed her, his ornade diamond ring opening a gash on her cheek.

"My patience wears thin and my stress is making the juvenile blood I had for dinner useless. So... fair is fair. I get to have my fun with you. I want to to explain exactly what happened while I teach you a lesson." Joseph sauntered over to his desk and opened a drawer, pulling out a black leather whip ended with silver studs. With a sharp crack, the whip flew across the room and bit into Marissa's flesh, not only cutting her deep, but cuttin her top in two, leaving her bare from the waist up. Joseph smiled as he cracked the whip again, the tendril of pain wrapping around Marissa's back and leaving a series of fresh red marks on her already scarred back.

"On your knees, woman, before I take them out from under you." Joseph growled as he walked circles around Marissa. "I want you to talk. I want to know everything. The more you let me know, the sooner I can whip off the rest of those bothersome garments and the sooner we can enjoy ourselves." He whipped again, opening a tear and a gash on her rear end. He laughed each time he saw her flinch and each time he heard her cry when the silver bit into her hide. It filled him with a perverse pleasure that made his temperature rise.

Joseph went on for hours, going so far as to wrap the thorny and Lycan-poisionous vine of wolfsbane around her wrists and giving her her own crown of thorns.

"You mus know by now, my darling, that seeing you in so much pain is just as pleasurable as having you in my bedchamber, but what makes bedding you so much better is seeing that look of shame and horror upon your face as I take you again and again." Joseph laughed hoarsly, his usual sick laugh of perverse enjoyment.

"Displease me further, and the next time I take you to my bed, I will leave something behind to remind you of your shame. A sickening a thought as it may be, it will be worth seeing you suffer for those nine months, only to have the result be eradicated as soon as you bear it." Joseph laughed again, cracking his neck. He had long reduced Marissa's clothing to ribbons and left her cut and bruised.

"I have been kind to you, Marissa, and you only repay me when I force you to. I must admit, you are a perverse, guilty fetish of mine. There is something about that animal in you that makes me so facinated. Who knows... perhaps I will lock you up and have Leon join you in a cage. Then you can be on your knees and on your back all you want." he balled his hand into a fist and punched her above the eye, that ring splitting her brow.

"It would be enjoyable to watch. I could make it a show for my guests, even. I have seen the boy when he is in the grips of the beast." Joseph made a perverse face, his eyebrows dancing above his eyes. "It would be a sport to see you try and manage that as you are. So petite and so frail." he punched her in the stomach, feeling a crack inside her.

"Oooh, was that a rib?" he laughed again, his beating ensuing. "You have lasted a long while, my dear, but you are making me late for an appointment.... either tell me your piece now, or I will consider inflicted my cruelest punishment."

[Shin.Aether]

Sol had left the confines of Denver to snatch and grab loyal members to him in the house of Sanguine in New York. He carried with him his Claymore, inside his trenchcoat his stature gave little warning why the champion Retainer of the Elder had on his mind. His dark blue grey eyes sweapt the soldiers of the Sanguine house with a calculating glance. As if he were judging them in combat prematurely. He followed catacombs and layers in the Sanctuim taking differentiated paths. Until he eventually came upon the dorm of the ladies. Walking through the dressing room like he owned the place. Made many of the timid females hurriedly put their clothes on faster. Anytime a Retainer was present many in the house of Sanguine cringed. Even officers were made tame in the prescense of the Retainers eyes.

Sol hadn't bothered to sign in or say where his buisness may lie. But seeing him armed with his family claymore made them walk away and question later.
He looked from each side to find his only trustworthy companion. Knowing her training regiment, he felt her blood in his mind, knowing she wasn't far from doing her daily training. He wait besides her locker, to take her to a silent location in the sanctuim.

A young female's eyes widened as she tromped through nude. Obviously disarmed by the raptor gaze that Sol shot her. She felt disarmed and naked, as she hurriedly closed her mouth from awe, and clothed hurriedly. Just to be out of the gaze of Sol's ire. If Marrissa had found herself coming here, he would have to intervene and get her out. She was among the few Lycans Sol would bequeeth the title of friend to.

[Mysteria]

As soon as the doors closed behind her Marissa knew just by looking at Joseph that he intended on punishing her to the fullest capability within his sick and deranged mind. She prepared herself. When his backhand hit her face her head snapped back with a sharp cracking sound. She could feel the blood trickling down her cheek. Raising her head back up she found her face to be mere inches from Josephs and as she met his eyes her own were filled with defiance.

Marissa prepared herself mentally for what she knew would be a long drawn out process. She'd been in this very spot one time before. She knew full well what the sick sadistic bastard was capable of doing to her. Marissa would endure any punishment that he gave her if it prevented her from having to know the touch of his hand upon her skin once more. She shuddered at the thought.

She watched as Joseph retrieved his whip. She had knows it's sting before. She had felt the pain inflicted upon her before. When it again landed upon her skin her entire body tensed as she glared at the Elder.

"On your knees, woman, before I take them out from under you." Marissa refused to bend to his will. She would not break so easily this time. If he wanted her on her knees he would have to find a way to force her. Marissas blood began to boil inside of her. The only reply that Joseph received from the female Lycan was that of the gift of her spitting at him venomously. The action caused her to feel the lashings stinging upon her skin again.

Marissa could feel her anger beginning to bring her to a transformation. Now was not the time but it was beyond her control. Her emotions had overtaken her. She felt her feral fangs growing as fingernails began to turn to claws. When she looked at Joseph again it was through the eyes of her partially transformed Lycanthrope form. When Joseph placed the Wolfsbane around her wrist and head she began to feel weak and fell to her knees.

"You must know by now, my darling, that seeing you in so much pain is just as pleasurable as having you in my bedchamber, but what makes bedding you so much better is seeing that look of shame and horror upon your face as I take you again and again."

At those words Marissa had to fight to not complete her transformation. Even in her Lycanthrope state she was no match for the Vampire Elder. Taking a deep breath Marissa closed her eyes in an effort to calm herself. The moment her eyes closed the vision of Sebastian ran through her mind. She remained momentarily on her knees while Joseph continued his ranting and punishment. The whip found it's mark once more. A yelp escaped from Marissa and was quickly replaced by a gutteral growl. Clenching her fists and eyes tightly shut she continued to breath. Sebastians face disappeared only to be replaced by Stephens. Suddenly she felt the warmth of Stephens hand upon her own and his words rang through her mind. Sebastian would not have you endure this"

With renewed strength Marissa lifted her head and rose to her feet in time to hear Josephs comment of "Who knows... perhaps I will lock you up and have Leon join you in a cage." Marissa sneered at the Elder Lord. "If Leon ever finds your location you won't have the chance to cage him" Marissa spat the words out with a venomous ring to them. Instantly she felt the pain of a rib cracking as Joseph hit her. Marissa didn't care. She was partially transformed and knew that the healing would come quickly. Her mind was already plotting before Joseph finished his next statement.

"You have lasted a long while, my dear, but you are making me late for an appointment.... either tell me your piece now, or I will consider inflicted my cruelest punishment."

In that instant Marissa knew what had to be done. Feigning to be more submissive to the deranged lunatic standing in front of her she bowed her head. Her words came quickly to her. Speaking in a non defiant tone and calm submissive tone she said "There were other clans there my Lord to form an allegiance with the crazed Leon. We had no choice to wait until they made their departure. Leon received a phone call before we could attack and due to the incapability of the professionals who didn't know the first thing about keeping themselves quiet within ear shot of a Lycan such as Leon our position was given away before we could attempt an attack. His learning of the pups demise sent him over the edge. Why he even allowed any of us to live is still a mystery to me other than to have us return to you baring the message that if Clan Sanguine do not leave him to his peace he will force us to extinction. Forgive me my Lord for my failure I beg of you."

When Marissas words were not met with another backlash of the whip stinging her she looked up at Joseph. He was eying her with the look that Marissa had hoped would not come. Before she knew it his hands were around the back of her head and his lips were pressed to hers. Marissa cringed but dare not back away from Joseph. She had to keep the false pretense going. When his cold heartless lips had their fill of her he pushed her away stating that he would finish with her later after his meeting was over and that she was dismissed. Bowing her head once again she simply said "Yes, My Lord." Turning from the room she opened the doors and made her way to her room passing several of the other Sanguine members. Marissa walked with her head held high showing no shame even as the tears began to sting her face. When she saw the one lone person within the house of Sanguine whom she had ever felt any type of closeness with other than Sebastian her lip quivered as she blinked back the tears. Nodding to the only one she had ever called friend, the vampiress known as Iris she said nothing as Iris's eyes searched her own. She sensed that Iris could feel the pain of both her broken and bloodied body and spirit. A simple moment of understanding passed between them before Marissa entered her room.

Looking out of her window and seeing Joseph climbing into the limousine Marissa quickly changed her tattered clothes and threw a few things in her duffel bag and cleaned the blood from her face. There was no time for a shower. There was no time to pack any of her cherished belongings. There was not even time for her to shed a tear. The only time to be had was the time to make her escape. She retrieved the key that Stephen had left for her.

She couldn't go back out into the hallway. Opening the doors of her balcony Marissa slung the duffel bag over her shoulder and climbed down the fire escape and quickly made her way to the garage and mounting her motorcycle Marissa headed it out of the driveway and never for one moment looked back.

A short time later Marissa arrived at the bank that she had been instructed to go to donning a pair of large sunglasses that she used to cover the cuts on her face. Handing the key to the clerk at the counter Marissa only said "Conzetta sent me." The man whom she handed the key to looked at her as though he had been expecting her and after looking at her face curiously he bid her to follow him to a room where she was presented with a safety deposit box. Instructing her to leave the box in the designated spot upon her leaving he left her alone. When he had left and she was certain that she was alone she held the key in her hand. She remembered that Stephen had told her there would be no turning back.

Taking a deep breath Marissa shut her eyes. The image of Josephs pale sickly face close to hers kissing her lips came to her and she instantly felt ill. No. She shook her head. She couldn't go back there ever again. She knew not what her future would hold but whatever it held had to be better than what she was leaving behind. The only good thing in the House Of Sanguine were the few good memories she had and she could take them with her wherever her life led her.

Sticking the key in the lock she turned it. Raising the lid she looked inside as an expression of surprise first came to her face, then a smile. She was certain that it was the first time that she had smiled since she'd had dinner with Stephen.

[Anne Bonny]

Twenty seconds...

Her breath felt hot as it passed over parted lips in short bursts. Even her cheeks were warm. If she didn't know better, Iris might have thought for a moment that she had a human temperature again.

Fourteen...

Her feet fell with quiet thuds to the rhythm of the music (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czg-hdk3I0M) that pounded in her headphones.

Six...

The muscles in her legs screamed in pain, begging for relief. Her skin was slick with sweat. But Iris kept pushing. Just a few more seconds to go.

Three... Two... One

The treadmill beneath her feet slowed drastically and the girl along with it. Her pace changed to a quick walk as Iris touched the buttons on the machine to determine just how far she had run. Not bad, she conceded. But I've done better. Her body was glad for the rest though, what she could feel of it anyway. The pain and the fatigue reminded her that she was still alive. If her existence could be considered "alive" that is.

When her cool down walk was finished, much of Iris' energy had returned, and she hopped off the machine and headed out the gym door. The house of Sanguine was long and sprawling, flaunting the clan's monetary assets in every way. Her indigo eyes remained fixed on the hallway ahead of her instead of taking the opportunity to admire the lavish artwork that decorated the walls. And though she passed her clan mates as she walked, Iris remained silent. Like the paintings on the walls, she had seen their cold faces a thousand times before.

That is, until she came across Marissa. Her friend, the lycan Alpha, looked as if she had just been hit by a truck. Her gorgeous face was bloodied and bruised, and streaked with lines where tears had fallen. But that wasn't what stopped Iris dead in her tracks. It was the cold, dead look in Marissa's eyes.

Iris' mouth fell open, but she couldn't speak. There was nothing she could say. Instead, she met her friend's gaze and prayed her eyes could convey they horror and concern she couldn't verbalize. Marissa nodded, a small motion barely even noticable, as if even that small movement was too painful to complete. Iris returned the nod of understanding, her eyes suddenly brimming with tears.

Without another word or gesture, Marissa moved away, and Iris let her go. She blinked hard against her burning eyes and continued her path down the hallway.

In the women's locker room there was a large shower that was thankfully emtpy when Iris arrived. She stripped off her clothing, turned the water on as hot as possible, and stood for several minutes under the shower head, allowing the burning water to wash over her bare skin. Her sweat and grime from the workout fell away, but the feeling of disgust remained. What injustice had been done to Marissa? Who could have hurt her? The Alpha was no easy target. It had to be someone above her.

It had to have been Joseph.

A violent shiver wracked her small body and Iris found herself leaning against the tile wall for support. Joseph, the lecherous sadist. The pup killer. What he had done to Marissa must have been hell. Their leader was capable of nothing less. Hot tears fell from Iris' eyes, mixing with the shower water.

---

By the time she had finished her shower, although it was several long minutes later, Iris had composed herself. Marissa, one of the few she trusted in Sanguine, was gone from the house for good, that much was certain. But Iris wasn't going to sit around and let the injustice to her friend go unanswered. Just as she hadn't let the injustice to the Bravado pups go unanswered. She would let Sol know, just as she had informed him of the murders.

She strode through the locker room with purpose, rubbing a towel in her short hair as she moved. Her locker wasn't far. Her change of clothes would be there, along with her phone. She could send a message to...

Sol. Sol was standing next to her locker.

Like a deer caught in the headlights, Iris froze. In her shock, she didn't think to speak or even cover herself with the towel. Oh God, and he was looking at her. His eyes traveled down her body and back up, over her naked breast, her toned abdomen, her slim legs... And Sol didn't turn away in modesty either. He just watched her. Iris had never been so embarressed, she was certain.

At the same time, she didn't want him to look away either.

Instead, it was she who moved first, reaching in front of him and into her locker to retreive her clothing. She dressed quickly and without a word, feeling those piercing eyes on her the entire time.

"I didn't expect you to be back so soon," Iris finally squeaked when she straighted and faced him, fully clothed. She ran her slim fingers through her hair, combing out the tangles before gathering it into a rubber band.

"Sol, Marissa's gone. I'm sure of it. Joseph..." She trailed off, unsure of what to say, her throat tightening again. "Joseph's hurt her badly."

[Stream]

It seemed Lilith did have a bit of vigor inside of her, and the will to flex her authority. Up until now she hadn’t ordered Hector to do anything, rather treating him as a friend instead of a colleague. Her face turned dark as she took long sis from her martini. The man at the table across from them seemed to be agitating her the most. Seeing this as an advantage, Hector began to press even further.

“You say it’s the vodka, even though you’re still on your first one. Keep drinking as quickly as you are now, and then maybe that excuse would be valid.” he smirked. If Lilith was going to play leader, she was going to have to prove how serious she was. In a sign of defiance, Hector placed another ice cube on his tongue, blatantly showing off to the vampiress. With loud chomps he devoured it in the same manner as the steak eating man.

“Beast, you say? That’s how most lycans would eat, you know. We can’t control ourselves like that. It’s our primal tendency. Of course, someone as prejudiced as you couldn’t see that, now could you? You vampires are all the same. Stuck up with a pretentious aura about them. I bet you inherited your rank, didn’t you?” Though Hector was not fond of any beast of the night, or of himself being a lycan, he would still fake interest from time to time. Lilith seemed to be surprised at his comments. Smiling deviously, Hector called out to the man across from them.

“Friend, it’s not OK to eat alone. Bring your plate and come join us. My lady friend insists.” he turned back to Lilith, placing yet another ice cube into his mouth, chomping it loudly as a taunt. Surely if he had been with any other clan member, he would be immediately punished for his insubordination. “I spent the last of my money on a taxi to get here, you don’t mind picking this up, do you?”

Hector let out a loud yawn, stretching his arms high into the air. His eyes already looked dreary with dark circles outlining them. He was still sore from the car ride here, and the heat of the restaurant was getting irritating with his warm clothes on.

“As much fun as this has been, I’m getting fairly tired. When are you going to be ready to head back to our room?”

[Heirosyth]

"Right here, you say?" Lucius replied, a bit surprised. What a marvelous coincidence.

"Just dropped her off not ten minutes ago."

"You'll find a nice bonus in your account come tomorrow. Nice work, Night Cab. I suppose the lady has managed to keep her taste after all."

"I dunno about that, sir. The one she was with smelled like wet dog--lycan I think."

"Well, there's no accounting for company," the Elder Vampire Lord remarked with a casual shrug. "Fine job. The letter was delivered, I presume."

"Naturally, sire."

"Excellent," and with that, Lucius, aka "Stephen Escalus", ended the call, put his phone on silent and slipped it into the breast-pocket of the handsome black blazer that finished off his evening apparel. Gathering the last of his effects, he preceded down to Elway's for the second time today to rendezvous with the vampiress he had met all those years ago in another guise, and another time.

Stopping by the front desk, he paid his bill and put in something extra for a cab to be waiting for his departure, his effects pre-loaded for his convenience, of course.

"I'll be no more than fifteen minutes, I promise," he said with a glimmer smile and a wink at the young woman working the desk.

"No problem, Mr. Escalus. Please let us know if there's anything else we can do for you," replied with a smile that betrayed her desire to giggle like a blushing schoolgirl.

He nodded and turned, striding with a noble and dignified air into the restaurant, such as it was with its glowing lamps, wood polish, and glittering glassy decor. Lucius thought it looked better at night, honestly. But then almost everything did.

Including the raven-haired beauty sitting across the table from the wolfish Omega that had accompanied her to dinner. Those ocean-blue eyes searched the room as if swimming for a way out of the situation she was in, until they lighted upon the sleek gentlemen approaching her table. He noted that her pea coat was only just laying across the chairs that accompanied the table at which the two were sitting. The Elder also noted that her v-neck sweater which left open to the midnight air her fair, porcelain-pure skin, shoulder to neck, the no-man's land of woman's mystique. Mmm.

"Does no one offer to take a lady's coat and treat it properly anymore? I should have this place condemned," the regal blond, clean-shaven gentleman said, striding up to her with dignified, powerful steps. "I remember a time when every restaurent--especially the fine ones--would take your coat or risk getting it taken out of their hides by the owner of the establishment. Such service these days would hardly pass for a burger joint then. Bah." Upon his arrival at the table, he gracefully took Lilith's hand gracefully in his own (soft and warm as they were from a recent feeding in the penthouse that bears description best reserved for later) and with the utmost respect and politeness, he leaned down and brought it to his lips for a kiss that sensuously sent a tingling through her skin and an awakening of a long-distant shadow of the past.

"But enough about the past, when before my eyes, I daresay I have never seen one age like a Riserva wine as yourself, Lady Lilith." The vampire flashed his golden gaze into the depthless pools glimmering with pale moonlit beauty between her long, shadowing lashes. "Gorgeous. As gorgeous as the the bluest tropical sea, my dear. One could get lost in your eyes and in drowning, die with the bliss of being surrounded in true beauty." Then he straightened up once more and smiled with confidence before turning to Hector.

"Gnawing upon the ice suits you well, my friend. One can hardly fault you for bringing such manners to a place such as this that pretends to be more classy than it truly is. You bring a refreshing amount of honesty to the charade they pull here, but I fear the lady was hoping, as I often do, for something--" and here the Vampire Lord of Conzetta paused, turning back to Lilith with that winning, glimmering smile, revealing those polished fangs she knew so well, "a bit more refined, and sadly enough, has only the continual disappointment one experiences when biting into a piece of fine chocolate that has been sitting on the shelf far past its sell-by date."

Lucius glanced back at Hector and then at Lilith, "If I've misjudged the lady's mind, then I do humbly apologize; it is gift of the fairer sex to remain alluringly mysterious to even the keenest scrutiny by the male mind, and so I find myself at a most delectable disadvantage, especially when dealing with one far more practiced than most at her elegant art." He gave the Valentinian vampiress a smart wink.

"But if the gods of the night have blessed my vision with not only breathtaking beauty, but crystal clarity as well..." the suave Elder continued, moving closer to her and circling back behind her seat as he allowed the fingers upon his left hand to drift ever so temptingly over the smooth, enticing skin that lay bare at the bast of her neck, his wrist brushing lightly into the curls of her hair like a tropical breeze before she even knew they were there, "...then I believe the lady has had her fill for now of this sumptious banquet and filling company--" Lucius halted his even words as he faced Hector directly from behind Lilith, then glancing over at the other "beast" who was considering the offer to join the two of them before continuing, "and would like to depart for more... appetizing pleasures that might tempt her palate and soothe the tension in her shoulders..." He smiled and glanced down at her, giving her soft, warm rub with his fingers across her collarbone and around the base of her neck.

With his right hand, he reached down and snatched up her pea coat from the otherwise empty chair to the right of them, before the steak-gnashing brute from across the way decided to plant himself down upon it with all the refinement of a saint bernard. It's not that lycans couldn't be intelligent, sophisticated and respectable; it's that most of them just chose to go with their "lesser" natures.

"Young sir, provided you don't intend to cause the lady to go without nourishment the rest of the night, you're welcome to come with us. Otherwise, I fear I cannot stay."

Stepping back and holding her coat open for her in true noble fashion, Lucius awaited Lilith's answer.

"A flight leaves tonight to more... luxurious waters. It is, however, the only one of it's kind. Think Boeing Dreamliner. You may choose to stay, but I feel that this place, like dinner, has gone cold," Lucius remarked.

"Far too cold indeed..."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sticking the key in the lock she turned it. Raising the lid she looked inside as an expression of surprise first came to her face, then a smile. She was certain that it was the first time that she had smiled since she'd had dinner with Stephen.

Within the box was a rose, preserved as if freshly picked, and a letter with a driver's license and debit card by the same name: Melisandra Vixen.

Behind them was a small note in an unsealed enveloped with "Melisandra" written in script on the front. Inside, the note read as follows:


Dear Melisandra,
Welcome to Clan Conzetta.
Your alias awaits you,
as does your flight.
Bring your appetite,
and leave your regrets behind.


On the back of the note, in typed, all-business small print it read:


Make sure you look like her.
The card has 10,000.00, untraceable.
Destroy this and any other evidence with the lighter.

Behind the note and envelope lay one first class ticket--redeemable at any airline, any time--to Washington D.C., one-way.

On the front of the ticket, a sticky note read: "Buy your own ticket to somewhere far away, in your old name. Make sure your clan knows about it."

Scribbled on the back of the ticket stub was the name of a hotel: The Hay Adams.

Below that was scrawled: "Just look for the big white house."

Finally, at the bottom of the box was a fashionable red lighter.

[Shin.Aether]

It was such a wonderful thing to see, his favorite operative. It made him turn off his retainer face, and made it a little softer. With a hand outstretched to her shoulder he moved closer immitating a hug. A women in nothing more then a towel was standing there, and for a second he could feel her eyes on his sword. With nothing short of a contemptuous look on her face.

As Sol stood there he looked over her shoulder and began to whisper very politely in her ear.

"We have to go, it's entirely to unsafe here. There is much at stake, more then even I may know."

It was then that he spoke in an ancient code that in itself predated the tower of babel. It was a code in which she knew because he taught it to her since he began to train her in hand to hand combat.

"I am the Proxy, I name you my Sentry, for the house of Sanguine is shamed now."

His code was lost to time itself never having seen the light of day until today. An ancient rite to succeed, in truth what it meant was he admitted to readily wishing to take the trials for Eldership. Proxy being an operative word for which he would take those who could be trusted under his command. Though Sol himself was the hundreth Retainer who ever took the consideration of advancing to Elder. Surely his age was at standard, he could then take his place as the new Elder for the house of Sanguine.

He turned and held her hand, leading her out of here as the women in the towel never moved a head toward them. Her black hair did a commendable job of hidding her eye movements. After moving through the halls of the Sanctuim they would bypass security by taking out the escape shaft hidden from all except from him, since he knew where it was.

By pushing in a sturdy jar carved into the far west wall of the sanctuim. Sol was able to activate a lever that made the door push in and turn counter clockwise away from the wall and scaffolding. He moved her away from the House quickly under the cover of night and made his way into the Mercedez M-Class parked at a distance away in a rather ominous looking alleyway.

When they got inside he began to drive and explain himself.

"You know as well as I, that Joseph has lost all credibility as an Elder because of birthright. I tried to torture the rules into him for much of his life, but they never took. By that I mean the laws found in "The Masquerade" Now that Joseph has broken one of the rules, we can count on him plodding his own course to destroying the house of Sanguine. The problem is, he brings in vampires and refuses to allow me the benefit of training them. He only wishes to have them as his concubines, as you know. As a retainer, you being one of the few people I could ever help was difficult.

He pulled onto the Highway on the New York turnpike, as he began to go south. With relatively few cars trailing him, he had a safeplace in mind in which to begin planning.

"I fear you realize we need everyone in this, even Marissa. But in order to make the fight justified, as have to do the unthinkable. And appeal to the Alpha Bravado's mercy, I say this because I wish him more to be the one to kill Joseph, but with what happened to Marissa. I am begining to ponder for how many years this has gone on. It maybe her right to destroy him. But even if I must kill him myself, I will do such a thing before it is to late."

They drove off the highway as Sol turned to head down a rural route off the highway. He head west from then toward a densely populated forrest. Turning his lights off Sol cruised at a relatively diminished speed.

As they went toward a hidden pass in the treeline. They were on an old dirt road, where Sol hit the brakes slowly before he ramned the vehicle over a mound of marble sitting between the treeline. With just enough room between the stones to walk between. He shut off the vehicle and looked to her with a contemplative look.

"Now I will have to train you with a few respected weapons. But with the way you trained before this day. I am certain that you can make the dexterity and stamina of holding such weapons. But do not worry we will be safe here, I have an old lanline phone here, so we can try and contact those who are still in Denver. And of course bring them to us, then maybe we can end Joseph's tyranny before it grows out of our hands."

They walked toward an isolated house that seemed remarkably well crafted. Still very well maintained, with some of the carpentry still at a time when house building was simpler. It was a greyish blue surrounded by fig tree's, oak, spruce, pine, and red oak. The location itself hid the fact that this house was even here. And would likely be ignored for a very long time indeed. On the left was a deep old fashioned basement knoll, Sol looked toward it with a smile. It seemed that this was his home, no telling what kind of bloodwine was aged down there. Or even if it was exclusively bloodwine to begin with.

Inside of the building the furniture was relatively pre-colonial american craftsmanship. A devan, couch, and a recently purchased recliner, made by Lazyboy. But that was hardly the most astonishing characteristic of this place. As she would find the place with a musty book smell all over the house. Shel upon shelf filled with old fashioned leather bound books, some in european languages, and some in ancient mediteranean languages. That have long since been washed over by time itself.

"I always used to love the smell of this house. Make yourself at home, and help yourself, I can go fetch some wine if you'd like."

He remembered he often kept one up in his room just down the wide girthed hallway. The carpet made of a black faded kashmere material, seemed produced by hand, then machine. It was proportinatly masked well and fit the size of the home. While the furniture besides the recliner seemed home made as well, from wool off a sheep that was well stretched. Sol left her to her observations of the place by heading toward his room. As he took out a silver key that fit into the deadbolt in the wooden door.

Walking in Sol was reminded of his old tools of his trade. As he came across swords from a number of places. Claymores, Khopeshes, Scimitars, Chains, Whips, Shields, Massamune's, Murasame's, The place was a museum to the weapons of ancient war. Looking to his set opposite the wall of swords, lay the wall of axes and maces he'd accumulated. He reached over his bed made of sturdy materials and sheets. And picked up a bottle of Bloodwine, dated from 1799 in his mind.

Taking up a few stained glasses from nearby, and Sol went back down the stairs. As he set the two classes down on a nearby utility counter. He popped the cork and poured the glasses up three quarters of the way up. Handing Iris one giving her a calmed look that seemed out of character for him almost.

"To the day Joseph dies."

He lifted his glass to declare a toast to her.

[MidKnight]

Cross looks over to where the two asked him to come over to join. Feeling a little more better, Cross gets up and walks over to where the young vampire and the strange man.

Cross could smell the lycan off of him, his stench was worse than he looks. Cross scoffs and says one thing. "No thank you." but when he heard the man was leaving the bill to the young vampire, Cross pulls the money out and paid the bill for her. "Even a gentlemen would pay bills." he jokes and leaves the restaurant with the bottle in his hand.

[Mysteria]

Marissa picked up the rose and touched it to her battered face. There was no way that Stephen could have possibly known what she had endured just a short time ago but yet the rose was exactly what she needed at that very moment to remind her that there was some amount of gentleness left in a world that had become very cruel to her. For one moment Marissa almost felt a tear coming into her eyes as she remembered that Sebastian had always lavished her with her favorite variety of roses the “blue girl”. She pushed the thought aside. There would be time for emotions to be released later. Now she had to get as far away from Joseph as she could.

She opened the letter wondering who Melisandra Vixen was but knew that it must have been left for her since she had been given the key to the security box. As she read the letter she began to understand.



Dear Melisandra,
Welcome to Clan Conzetta.
Your alias awaits you,
as does your flight.
Bring your appetite,
and leave your regrets behind.



Flipping it over she read the words on the back. She looked at the ticket and read the sticky note that was attached to it. She then picked up the drivers license and after thoroughly memorizing every detail she tucked it along with the debit card and ticket into her purse and taking the lighter she burned the letter and the sticky note in the metal trash can then pocketed the lighter. Quickly she typed in a text message to her closest friend Iris. She knew that Iris would understand her intentions in the message. Typing in only the words “I am traveling to England and will be staying at The Hilton Belfast in the Presidential Suite.” Iris was a smart girl. She would put two and two together easily enough. She hit send and flipped her phone shut. Putting the empty box back where she had been instructed to leave it she exited the room and nodded at the attendant on her way out of the bank.

Marissa mounted her motorcycle for what would be one of the last times as she headed it first towards the La Guardia Airport and promptly purchased a ticket for the first flight to Belfast. Ticket in hand she departed and stopped at a local beauty shop one which she never frequented. Having an hours wait before she could be waited on she went into the ladies room and tended the wounds on her face grimacing as she did so. Her busted lip hurt. Stepping into a bathroom stall she lifted her shirt to examine the damage that had been done to her upper torso and ribs. There wasn’t enough of time for proper bandaging and thorough cleansing of the wounds. Making herself as presentable as she could she went back out into the waiting room and upon hearing the name Melisandra Vixen called she at first continued to sit in her seat. When the name was called again she looked up with a start then realized they were calling her. The name would take some getting accustomed to. Instructing the girl to straighten her hair trimming the ends only and dye it a deep auburn shade she relaxed as her transformation began. As the girl began the process she raised an eyebrow upon seeing Marissa’s wounds but said nothing. When the girl had completed the task and she looked into the mirror she barely recognized herself. Gone was the blonde permed hair that she had walked in with. The only physical traits remaining of Marissa DiAblique were the cuts and bruises that Joseph had left behind and they would heal with time.

Driving back to La Guardia she parked her bike and hailed a taxi instructing the driver to take her to J.F.K. International. A few hours later a plane touched down in Washington D.C. The only thing that Marissa had brought with her was the carry on duffle bag and her purse. Hailing a cab she climbed into the back seat. When the driver asked her where to she looked at the back of the ticket stub and said only “The Hay Adams.”

As the cab made its way through downtown D.C. traffic Marissa breathed a sigh of relief and was immediately reminded of the pain in her ribs and a slight wince came to her face. Ignoring it she only thought of her future. As the card had said Bring your appetite, and leave your regrets behind. Oddly enough her stomach rumbled slightly at the words informing her that she had not taken nourishment that day.

Marissa had left everything behind and she had no regrets for it. If there was anything that could be considered as regret it was that she had to leave Iris behind without properly saying goodbye but something inside of her told Marissa that it wouldn’t be the last time she would see her friend. It was true that Marissa had left almost all of her clothing and personal items behind but they were just mere material things and could be replaced in time. Everything that she had left behind was nothing compared to what she felt that she was gaining. Freedom. Freedom from a past that could no longer haunt her. Freedom to begin a new life hopefully not filled with pain and sorrows. And most importantly she was no longer under the control of the insane Elder Joseph Hammerstein.

In what seemed like no time at all the cab had pulled up across from none other than The White House and rolled to a stop. She chuckled to herself as she remembered the written words on the card. "Just look for the big white house." She shook her head to herself. Yes, things were already beginning to look up. Paying the driver she stepped out of the cab and approached the doors of The Hay Adams. The doors swung open as she was greeted by the doorman who greeted her “Welcome to The Hay Adams.” With a nod of her head and a smile she said “My name is Melisandra Vixen. Upon my arrival I was told to ask for Stephen Escalus.” The doorman led Marissa to a young woman and said a few words to her quietly before returning his attentions back to Marissa. “Please follow this young lady, Mr. Escalus is expecting you. Good day Miss Vixen.” Marissa watched as he returned to his post and as the young attendant bid her to follow Marissa couldn’t help but notice that once again the wounds on her face were being considered. Upon realizing that she had been making Marissa uncomfortable the young girl spoke “Please follow me Miss Vixen.”

Marissa followed her to an elevator where they rode in silence up several floors before it stopped and she was led to a rather large set of doors and was bid to follow the attendant through the doors only to have the attendant dismiss herself after stating “Mr. Escalus will be with you momentarily. Please make yourself comfortable.” After the young woman left her Marissa looked around the lavishly furnished room and thought to herself that someone in Clan Conzetta had not only wonderful but also very classy taste. Her fingertips lingered on the extravagant furniture as her eyes grazed over the beautifully decorated room before falling upon the doors leading onto the balcony. Crossing the room Marissa pulled the doors open to be met by a cool evening breeze. Stepping onto the balcony she stood mesmerized by the beauty of the city that lay in front of her. Leaning against the railing she looked out over the city as the breeze blew through her long auburn hair oblivious to the near by presence of another within the room.

[Auki]

Acacia’s brow furrowed and she directed an offended look at Leon, “Hope…Grace…These names sound so English, so plain. I hate names that end in an ‘e’ – It takes away the elegance a girl’s name should hold.” She shifted on the bed, attempting to find a more comfortable position, “The same as a boy’s name should sound strong, like Leon does. I swear I must have told you this before. My father was obsessive when it came to choosing names, it drove my mother insane, and yet I couldn’t imagine my sisters or I fitting any others. He fucked up in so many other areas but he gave us damn good names, that he did. I don’t want our child to grow up resenting the name we gave them – I mean, I don’t want them resenting me for any reason…but this factor…the one seems the most within our control.”

She nuzzled him gently before laying her head against his chest, sliding her fingers between his and holding onto his hand firmly. His other hand continued to carcass her stomach, tickling the skin, and she smiled softly, relaxing against his body. “ Even so…that does sound nice…them mountains.”

He had described a scene almost identical to the one that frequented her dreams; that perfect life she had yearned for, for so long now. Even if it wasn’t ideal timing, the baby now growing inside her made her feel like she was finally getting closer to achieving that dream. She just had to survive the next 7 or so months.

Without warning, her stomach fluttered with anxiety. How much worse were her symptoms going to get? The exhaustion, the cramps, the nausea, the heartburn, the damn relentless need to pee god-knows how many times a day… Did they get better, did they get worse and was there more to come? She had no idea…

Wait…is it safe to ride a motorbike when you’re pregnant?

Can I still have baths?
Am I still allowed to go running in the mornings?

Can I still use elevators?
Is there a certain way I have to sleep?

What can I eat? What can’t I eat?
Can I have sex while I’m pregnant?


Will Leon even want to have sex with me while I’m pregnant?

“I’m going to need medical care…ultrasounds and that…right? ‘Cause I know nothing about pregnancy…”

She nestled herself closer to Leon, pressing her head more firmly against him, soothed by the sound of his faint heartbeat, faster than normal. Her eyelids felt heavy, her breathing slow. It felt like an age since she had relaxed like this, it was nice despite the weariness weighing her down.

[StormWolf]

Leon smiled as he laid so close with his wife. He had never loved her more that he did now, with the news and all. He closed his eyes with sweet contentment as he felt her hand in his.

"I will take you to one of our Clan physicians. He lives here in Denver. Everything will be all right, my love. I will never let anything happen to you." He planted a kiss above her ear and nuzzled her.

"Hows about 'Alexander', for a boy? Named after the great conqueror of the world... For a girl, how does 'Eden' sound?" his eyelids felt like there were lead weights tied to them. He was so tired. He just wanted to stay awake with Acacia. He did not want to sleep, but his body needed it. He could not keep watch over her while his eyes were closed.

[Anne Bonny]

"Oh yes, Hector," Lilith said with a blatant roll of her eyes. "These evening has been a real riot. I'm all tired out."

The lycan was simply exhausting. Really, what was the point in arguing with him anymore? He had some sort of clever retort for everything she said, and he seemed to take amusement in her misery. It was best if they just left it for the night before one of them ended up making a scene.

A waitress brushed by and Lilith was able to gently catch her arm and request the check. The bill would be on Valentine tonight, she thought to herself. And when they got back to the hotel, she would also charge his room to the clan. Even if she made him sleep on the floor or in the bathtub, there was no way in hell she was going to share a room with Hector.

Her gaze swept the restaurant, hovering with a twinge of nervousness on the other wolf that her companion had invited over. The beast seemed to be debating the idea (was he talking to himself?) so Lilith left him to his thoughts. She turned back to the table just in time to see a gentleman approach. A gentleman whose eyes were locked on hers.

He strode directly to their table and brushed his lips against the back of her hand, speaking of the glory of days gone past. The kiss made her heart erupt in a flutter, and she had the strangest feeling of de ja vu, but was too intrigued to wonder long about it. He was regal and refined. Like some sort of Prince Charming here to rescue her from the commoners and the dragon that was sitting across the table.

Lilith felt her breath quicken as his fingers trailed along the back of her neck and another beautiful shiver coursed up her spine. His words, although his voice was crystal clear, were nearly lost in a daze of girlish pleasure. His voice was as smooth as the finest red wine, and just as intoxicating. She remained silent as he spoke, a small smile turning up the corners of her mouth.

His fingers trailed down her shoulder, deliciously slow, as if he was already familiar with the curves of her body. As if he had every right to touch her. Something tickled in the back of her mind. Lilith closed her eyes breifly to savor the light touch of his fingertips.

"...and would like to depart... I fear I cannot stay... A flight leaves tonight..."

Her blue eyes snapped back open. Leave? Lilith wondered. In her mind's eye, she saw a handsome stranger inviting a young Lilith out for a stroll in the garden. She saw the mysterious and intriguing Rhett Bulter asking her to join him on a walk around the deck of the steamer. Despite her fight for composure, Lilith felt her body begin to tremble. A heart broken twice over was enough for a lifetime, no matter how long that life was. If she followed the stranger now, would it happen a third time? Lilith mentally scolded herself. She was allowing herself to fall intot he same trap again.

The vampiress leaned back in her chair to examine the man again, this time with a more critical eye. There was certainly something familiar about his mannerisms, the way he moved and spoke, but he didn't appear to be anyone she had seen before. Yet he called her by name and was already picking up her coat as if assuming she would be joining him.

The lycan from the other table approached bluntly and practically threw a roll of money onto the table before exiting. Had they offended him? Lilith ran a hand through her dark curls with a twinge of curiosity. Ah well, he was already out the door.

But that settled the tab. No more delays on in her decision. She was cautious of the stranger, but he must have had some reason to approach her, and as usual, that gnawing curiosity was winning out. Lilith rose to her feet and turned to face the stranger. "I would be foolish not to take you up on that invitation, sir," she offered with her most dazzling smile and a flutter of dark eyelashes. "The air in here is getting a bit stale, isn't it?"

The vampiress moved toward her clanmate and placed a gentle hand on his forearm. "Hector," she said softly, praying he would see some form of honesty in her eyes. "I would very much like for you to join us." Perhaps if the lycan played the third wheel, he could remind Lilith to keep her head. Without him, she feared she would fall under the charming stranger's spell again. The lycan that she had despised moments ago now seemed to be her lifeline.

Her smile was back in place when Lilith turned back to the gentleman. "I fear it's terribly unfair for you to call me by name when I don't know yours," she said as she took his arm.

[Stream]

At first Hector could've blamed his disoriented state for the tick his eyes were playing on him, but there was no denying it; a true gentleman was standing before him in the flesh. Hector himself has been accustomed to his "kind", as he so affectionately referred to them as, attending weddings and family celebrations as a child in Louisiana. He would be cautious of his mellowing speech and silver tongue, if only to protect himself and the already mesmerized Lilith.

"Well, lovely. Glad you were able to inform about this sooner, Lilith. I haven't even been able to sit down and enjoy myself until your mysterious friend showed up." he paused for a moment, catching his tongue. "But no matter. You seem to be thoroughly enjoying his company anyways."

The lycan arched his aching back in an attempt to limber up his muscles. It wasn't a lie to annoy Lilith; he was dead tired and would most likely be asleep before they even left the restaurant.

"It already seems like you know him. Throw caution to the wind, why don't you, temptress?" Hector's eyes moved to focus on the admittedly handsome gentleman. "Quite a generous offer, really. Though my parents told me to never except offers like these from strangers." the annoyed lycan growled.

It would be too embarrassing to admit his intimidation and annoyance about the new man, considering he was at least physically attracted to Lilith. It tugged at his masculinity to see her clutching his arm, completely taken aback by his charm.

"It seems my decision's been made for me, regardless. I don't have much else to do without her around. Seems I'm bound to her orders…" he rolled his eyes back, whispering under his breath. "as she's bound to yours."

[Anne Bonny]

I am traveling to England and will be staying at The Hilton Belfast in the Presidential Suite.

Iris read the text message and put her phone away. Good, Marissa was safe away from Joseph. England was far from his grasp. No time to respond, she was losing a signal fast. Sol's Mercedes was racing away from the house of Sanguine and into the unknown darkness. And Iris was content to simply be at his side. It had been a risk for him to come back to the house. Had he done it just for her?

Indigo eyes turned to look out the passenger side window, nodding now and then in response to his words. She was bent around everything he said, but her mind wandered. Sol had seen her completely naked in the locker room, and the only response it had illicited was a hug? Perhaps that simply confirmed what Iris had felt for years. That Sol firmly thought of her as a trusted companion and nothing more. No use in getting her hopes up, the girl decided. She must be happy with that.

He spoke of weapons and revenge as the pulled up to a cabin, obviously long hidden by the woods around it. The place was simple, but Iris found herself struck by the rustic beauty of the building. After living in the cold ivory halls of Sanguine, something about the cabin felt... right. Sol helped her from the car and upon entering, Iris fell even more in love with the little building. It was worn, natural, and like Sol mentioned, smelled of age and wisdom. It was wonderful.

She took some time to browse the titles of ancient books that lined the shelves as Sol went to retrieve some wine. A thin layer of dust blanketed them, with faint finger marks on a few of the yellowed spines. Such titles as The Art of War stared back at her; The Prince, The Biography of Joan of Arc... Cupid and Psyche...

Iris blinked and moved away from the bookcase just as Sol reentered the room, bottle in hand. She tugged nervously at her denim skirt, wishing she was in something more comfortable.

"To the day Joseph dies," Sol said firmly as he raised his glass to hers.

Iris' eyes moved to meet his in the dim light and her breath caught in her throat. "No, to you, Sol. To your rise as Elder, where you belong."

The words tumbled from her mouth before she could stop them. The girl quickly looked away and took a gulp of her wine. She dearly hoped she hadn't said something out of line.

"So what of the other clans?" Iris said quickly, trying to change the subject. "Bravado and Valentine and Conzetta. They will all have something to say of Joseph, I'm sure. And..."

Iris froze. ...the Presidential Suite. Of course! Clever Marissa, Iris thought as a grin spread over her features. "Washington DC!" she cried. "Marissa had always wanted to go there. And that's what her text meant! She's in Washington!"

[MidKnight]

Cross pays no mind to what they were saying, he kept moving on, drinking his beer bottle like some drunken barge on a rampage. He saw a large limo in front of the restaurant, and yet his imagination friend continues to follow him. “Say you know you could have used their help, find the clan and figure out what’s going on?” he said with a suspicious voice, “I mean, it’s not every day you get to meet a hot and sexy vampire.” He laughs like it was some sort of a joke. Cross didn’t bother with any of his temptations.

“Listen Cross this woman? She looks like she needs a real man.” His cigar light the darkness around his face, Cross could see his entire face. Right there he wished, he could have punched it, but he remembered, this guy was just a hallucination. “That’s right Cross, I’m just a piece of your imagination, so you can’t hurt me in any way.” He gives a large meaningful grin. Cross felt half buzzed, he knows he wasn’t supposed to drink in the streets or walk around with a open beer bottle.

When he realized that, a police officer saw him as he was walking down the street. “Excuse me sir?” the officer came walking to him with a flash light in his hand. “Sir I’m going to have to give you a ticket.” Cross gives him a dumb look, “why?” he asked, “Because sir, the law says drinking a open alcohol beverage in the street is illegal and a disturbing the peace, very offensive to mothers and fathers around this neighborhood.” Cross laughs once more and drinks one more time from the bottle.

“You can “fine” me for this.” He gives the officer a nice little finger and walks away. “Sir I’m going to ask you to put the bottle down and face against the wall on your knees and hands behind your head.” Cross stops and looks behind him with a glum look. “Hey kid, you want to live? I suggest you keep moving.” The officer takes out his .9mm pistol and aims it at Cross, the officer found the statement to be very threatening. “Sir I won’t ask you again. Put the bottle down and face against the wall on your knees and your hands behind your back.”
Cross stops in his steps, “huh-oh Cross, you made the nice officer mad.” Said his imagination, Cross turns around with no expression on his face, and didn’t made any sound. “if you’re going to shoot me, you better have the right bullets to kill me.” He replied with a very sincere voice, hoping for the officer to make a right choice and not a dumb one. The officer’s hands were shaking, Cross could tell that this one has never killed anyone before, nor has he ever been shot or threatened liked this. So he waits to see what the officer’s mind would think. Would he pull the trigger and see what Cross really is? Or would he lower his weapon? Call for back up? Whatever this kid wants, Cross just hopes he doesn’t make a bad decision.

[Heirosyth]

Lilith rose to her feet and turned to face the stranger. "I would be foolish not to take you up on that invitation, sir," she offered with her most dazzling smile and a flutter of dark eyelashes. "The air in here is getting a bit stale, isn't it?"

The vampiress moved toward her clanmate and placed a gentle hand on his forearm. "Hector," she said softly, praying he would see some form of honesty in her eyes. "I would very much like for you to join us."

Her smile was back in place when Lilith turned back to the gentleman. "I fear it's terribly unfair for you to call me by name when I don't know yours," she said as she took his arm.

Lucius suavely slipped her pea coat up around her arms like it was a silk sheet when Lilith had turned away from him, sliding his hands down around her arms. The Elder allowed his right hand to drift down over her back as she turned towards him once more, pressing only gently and smoothly, enjoying the feel of the contours of her body before taking it away and forming a crook of his arm for her to slip her arm through. Such a lady, just as he remembered. She had lost none of her class, elegance or charm, despite the years or company she kept.

"You may call me Stephen for now. Stephen Escalus," he said, losing himself in those pools of pale ocean blue that were her eyes beneath her rich, long lashes. He was close enough to her that for a moment, she could feel the warmth of his breath tease her lips, the scent of freshness inviting her even closer. Before she could act on that notion, however, her Omega friend inserted his own commentary, breaking the mesmerizing moment and drawing Lucius's gaze away from her regrettably.

"It seems my decision's been made for me, regardless. I don't have much else to do without her around. Seems I'm bound to her orders…" he rolled his eyes back, whispering under his breath. "as she's bound to yours."

"Hector, you are certainly welcome for my invitation was to you both, and I should have it no other way," Lucius courteously replied, glancing at him with a polite smile.

"Shall we go? Our coach awaits," the Vampire Elder said, turning again to the enchanting vampiress at his side, bearing his gleaming, handsome smile to her as he gestured forward with his left hand in a subtle beckoning flourish.

The limousine driver was standing by the car waiting in the cold, his breath escaping in frosty puffs into the brisk night, when suddenly he came alive and opened the door behind him. Lucius stepped ahead of his lady and gallantly opened the other door for her, allowing her to get in and get comfortable first, while Hector made use of the door that the driver had opened, sitting across from Lilith. Finally Lucius sat down inside the limo himself, right next to the Valentinian vampiress, and took her soft hand in his warm one, squeezing it gently and reassuringly, while offering the smallest caresses--once... twice... three times-- with his thumb along the side of her smooth hand. It was a gesture that was significant in its familiarity to her, to that which was employed by another who had enchanted her so many years ago upon that cruise ship. The sensations of this familiar sliding of his thumb against her skin sent tingling sensations through her, popping memories like sparks in a fire.

"To this point I have been the gentleman, as your friend Hector has implied, but to be less than completely honest with you, my dear, would cause this night's events to lose the name of action, and speed our time together towards forgotten meaninglessness," Lucius said, looking again into Lilith's mesmerizing pale blue eyes with his own amber irises glowing as two harvest moons upon the horizon of some clear October eve. The vampire lord sighed, and turned now towards Hector, and then back to Lilith, squeezing her hand once more in such a warm, sensuous way that it begged the question of what his hands could make her feel if they were placed upon any other part of her body--skin upon skin with nothing between their inviting warmth and her senses.

"To business then, such as it is," he began. "I am a member of Clan Conzetta. I have come here for the same reason that you now possess an envelope within your coat delivered by one of our own, my lady Lilith. We have watched and witnessed the events surrounding the Clans as of late, and have recognized that the situation among the Elders has become... unstable." His words reflected the seriousness his eyes now conveyed.

"In the past, Conzetta has chosen to lay low, and merely content themselves with more passive dealings than the other clans. Maintaining a higher level of secrecy, slowly building a network of contacts and resources, and playing to the opportunities offered to them with speed and efficiency has played to their advantage in the last several decades, making them stronger and more secure than the other clans may openly realize." Lucius shrugged his shoulders, but then lifted his eyes to meet those of Hector's and Lilith's in turn. "Now we face a moment of crisis."

"With the recent upheaval in the clans, stemming from one injustice heaped upon another, the vulnerability of the heirarchy has been exposed to the light of realization for the fragile house of cards that it has truly become. In just the past month, the daughter of one of the Elders of your House, Valentine, has been the subject of aggressive sexual assault, clearly by a creature of the night, one of Clan Arzano's elders has been poisoned and the rest of that clan is diminishing rapidly towards the precipice of complete oblivion, Bravado has suffered a bold attack on its lycan young the likes of which would hardly have been carried out without greater cause than we can divine from that incident in better times, and Sanguine... well, you are doubtless familiar with the tyrant and his ascendancy to that Clan, and how it has been managed since his arrival upon the seat of power that he now holds." The Vampire Elder gave his company time to absorb the information he had just provided them.

"We stand on the brink of complete civil war, and if I may be so bold, there are few of us who will survive the coming conflict, unless we look after each other and prepare for the worst." Lucius's alert golden eyes shifted from Lilith to Hector and then back again to the vampiress. "We must concern ourselves not with the matters at hand, but with the days to come. In the worst of all situations--in the event that the clans are possibly exposed and destroyed by either each other, or by Humanity, it will be the ones that have connections who survive."

"I assure you, over the centuries, there is no clan with more connections to the human race than Conzetta. They have been our eyes and ears in ways that our own kind could never have been. Just tonight you received an envelope from one of them. While you were at the junkyard, you were watched by another. We are immersed in an ever growing tide of people, yet no clan has reached out to them and utilized them to the extent that we have. Where others see frail beings that live out the best years of their brief lives in the blink of an eye, we see millions of loyal followers, eager only for the chance to make a little extra money on the side to feed their own mouths. They care little about our politics, our intrigue, and why should they? Most of it moves at a pace far slower than they are accustomed to, with Elders living centuries, and customs and traditions maintaining their hold for just as long. Their most important endeavors--those of the heart or of the mind--are sealed with the stamp of 'forever' and 'always' and yet, we know, we look on and see the bright lights of their candles snuffed out almost as quickly as they take to the flame." The Vampire Elder of Conzetta sighed deeply, lowering his eyes for a moment to the floor as if reaching a bleak realization.

"The most important lesson Humanity has to offer us is that change comes, and if we are not ready, we will be swept away like the lingering grains of sand upon some distant shore."

At that moment, silence fell upon the trio, in the darkness of the limousine, dimly lit as it was by the lights along the floor and above the windows.

"We have arrived at Denver International Airpoint, sir," came the voice of the limousine driver through the speakers.

"Thank you," Lucius replied. Glancing at his company he smiled briefly, and then opened the door, while the driver opened the other. "Come," the Vampire Lord beckoned, reaching back in with a hand to help Lilith out, his manners never wavering, despite the heaviness of the matters of which he spoke.

They made their way through the airport, escorted by the Vampire Lord they knew only as "Stephen Escalus", until they reached the magnificent plane that was the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Boarding it in the first class section, of which they were the only passengers, Lucius turned and offered to take Lilith's coat once more before inviting her to take a window seat, sitting down next to her as he had intended. Hector was offered the aisle seat directly across from him.

It would be impossible for Lilith to ignore the closeness of the Vampire Lord who sat next to her, especially as he leaned close to her, and whispered words that caressed her ear and quickened her heartbeat, looking out the window: "Soon you'll be able to glimpse the lights of the city below us. They shall announce our destination soon, but if you wish, I can tell you now: we are going to Washington D.C."

His eyes drifted to hers, to her fair complexion, to her inviting, luscious lips, and he smiled again, admiring her her enchanting beauty, like a pristine jewel in the night, unblemished by the chaos and long years they had spent apart... she was still Lilith, as he had remembered her from all those years ago, gorgeous as the evening star. How her elegance and experience had come together to form the very picture of a vampire lady in his eyes.

Lucius turned thence to Hector and regarded him with a gentile smile. "You're lucky to be in the company of such a woman, for she is truly rare among her kind."

Wasting no more time, he came to the point: "I offer you both this chance: come to D.C. with me and consider my invitation to join Clan Conzetta. If you decide that it is not for you at some later juncture, then we shall regrettably allow for your depature, but for the near future, I invite you to seek refuge within our ranks, until such time as this maelstrom is past and you are free to depart in safety." He took a moment to consider her again, looking into her eyes with all the memories of before flashing to his mind. "You do not have to reach your decision right now, because I know that this is hardly done lightly. I shall grant you time to consider it. When we land, I have another matter that must be attended to, and shall leave you to your own devices. As a courtesy, Conzetta has arranged for a pair of rooms at the Park Hyatt in Georgetown, only minutes away from the city center. If you are in agreement that this is right for you, then I invite you to meet with me for dinner this coming eve."

Lucius squeezed Lilith's hand one last time before looking deeply into her eyes and whispering, "I shall be deeply saddened to see you go, if you decide otherwise." Then, without missing a beat, brought his left hand up to caress her cheek with his fingers, and leaned into to kiss her tenderly, yet sensuously enough to inflame the most intimate of those memories, all those nights ago...

************************************************** ********

When the plane had landed, Lucius bid Lilith and Hector adieu and goodbye, checking his phone for the text that he knew had awaited him from the vibration in his pocket. Marissa had arrived safely at the Hay Adams and was awaiting his arrival. Presently he was in a taxi speeding his way there, taking no more than fifteen minutes to reach his destination. Another ten saw him out and at the door of the room, which he opened and passed into without so much as the slightest notice from her.

She was a sight for sore eyes; a truly sensuous siren that leaned out upon the lit up balconey as if waiting for some lost sailor to swim to her shore. To die at her feet might have been a more blissful fate than most mortals could even hope for. Her auburn hair drifted gently in the breeze like the feathers upon angel wings. He smiled softly to himself, admiring her from afar, while he poured two glasses of Sauvignon Blanc and approached her silently.

"The night is more beautiful with you in it," he spoke finally in a quiet, welcoming voice that could only belong to the most confident of men. He appeared beside her looking out across the way to the standing ivory structure of the White House, before turning to her and offering her a glass of the golden colored wine.

"I'm glad you decided to come, Marissa" Lucius continued, regarding her with considerate eyes, sliding his warm hand over her shoulder and across the back of her neck, rubbing her gently at its base. Allowing her to sip from her glass, and then setting his down, he drew her close, and embraced her fully, allowing his lips to graze her cheek, and then her ear, as he whispered, "It's O.K., you're safe now. Here, with me." His warm hand stroked her back slowly, sending its soothing heat through her skin, as he held her close.

Then he broke the embrace and turned to go back inside the room, leading Marissa back in with his right hand upon her lower back and his left holding his glass of wine. "I hope you don't mind your new alias. If you want, you can change it as soon as you like, once you've joined the Clan fully."

Leaving her side, he turned to the glass coffee table in the center of the suite, snapping out a lighter and bringing its incandescent flare to the wicks of two candles upon its glassy surface. Setting his glass down in front of a luxuriously embroidered couch, matching the regal decor of the room, he turned to retrieve another bottle, of a far darker liquid--appearing almost black in the dancing candlelight.

"Fire," he said in a clear, commanding tone, and in front of the glass table, and couch, a gas fireplace sprang to life, immediately throwing it luminescence about the walls of the suite, lending it a mystical atmosphere charged with the ceremonial importance of this moment. Beckoning the lycan to sit down, he took his place next to her and set the bottle down with one extra glass, much smaller, resembling a port glass rather a regular wine glass.

With a graceful movement, he uncorked the bottle and poured the viscous liquid, warmed as it was, into the small glass, filling it until it reached a level that was about a quarter of an inch below the brim. He recorked the bottle, and set the glass before her. Then Lucius turned to her and spoke with a clear voice, full of seriousness:

"This is the final rite of initiation. With this glass, you will drink the blood of Clan Conzetta and become one of us. Your own blood will change to align with that of ours, and you will now be identifiable to the others within our clan as one of our own. Every member must do this. Once you have partaken of our blood, you are inducted as a full member. You will be given access to your own funds, weapons, and accessories, as well as given a list of contacts who will be assigned to you."

He gazed into her eyes as he spoke: "This is the first and last time you will do this. If you choose to leave us at some later date, you will not be given another opportunity to join again. You will be marked as one who has chosen to leave, and branded an outcast. However, as long as you stay within the clan, your troubles and worries from your past life will bother you no longer. This I assure you. It is not a light-hearted choice I place before you, Marissa, but you would not be here if you had not shown me that you are sincerely interested in going through with this. If you change your mind, here and now, I shall let you go but you will be on your own to deal with Joseph and the consequences. That is your choice."

He gestured to the glass. "Now is the time to make your decision and take the next step towards your future."

[Mysteria]

Marissa had become so engrossed in her thoughts as she stood looking out over the Washington skyline that she had never heard him entering the room but when he spoke and she heard the words "The night is more beautiful with you in it," it had startled her momentarily and she had stood frozen for a few seconds. It was Stephen. She would have known that voice anywhere and hearing it again was a balm to her weary soul. She did not instinctively turn towards him but remained still for a few seconds longer as her mind raced. The last time that she had seen Stephen she was beautiful her face having not yet been battered. Now she was less than beautiful. She did not want him to see her this way yet knew that it was inevitable as she turned slightly towards him accepting the glass he offered her. Taking the glass she took a long sip of it allowing the taste to linger and warm her before setting it down.

"I'm glad you decided to come, Marissa" When his hand touched her neck her first reaction was to almost pull away as memories of Joseph tried to push themselves into her mind. The gentleness of Stephen’s touch coupled with the warmth of his hand that she so fondly remembered helped her to relax and she could feel the days tension swiftly draining from within her only to be replaced by a sense of security. The warmth of his touch sent slight shivers through out her very being as she found herself gazing into his amber eyes once again which in and of itself left her almost weak kneed but when he pulled her into his embrace and whispered to her "It's O.K., you're safe now. Here, with me." she struggled to blink back the tears she felt forming within her own viridian eyes. She leaned into him as he pulled her close arching slightly and wincing with a sharp but barely audible gasp of pain which luckily for her could have been misconstrued for pleasure. His hand lingered over her wounds and even so she once again relaxed into his arms her breath warm against his neck as her lips placed a soft kiss upon it as his own found her cheek.

He placed his hand upon her back to lead her into the adjoining room causing her to draw a sharp breath and she hoped it would go unnoticed. Stephen had no way of knowing the severity of her wounds. She would attempt to hide them from him at all costs but was fully aware of his keen power of observations and that whatever efforts she might make to hide them may be futile. With her drink in hand she allowed him to lead her as he would. "I hope you don't mind your new alias. If you want, you can change it as soon as you like, once you've joined the Clan fully."

His comment reminded her that she had not yet spoken to him and moved her to finally do so. What had she been thinking? Where were her manners? Had the events of the day really affected her to the degree that she had forgotten common courtesy? Immediately she felt a tinge of shame for allowing her surrounding circumstances to have controlled her in such a way. Shaking herself back into the present moment she replied “The alias is suitable Stephen. You have went to the trouble to set it up for me, I won’t trouble you with it any further.”

Marissa watched quietly as Stephen went about the room tending to the different tasks including lighting candles and securing another bottle of liquid of which the contents were unfamiliar to her. A subtle smile came to her lips when the spoken command brought a warm and inviting fire forth. Nice, very nice indeed Marissa thought to herself. There was no substitution in her mind for being of pure class. Marissa remained standing until the Elder Lord granted her permission to sit. She was no longer an alpha who had earned her position. In his presence she was at the lowest of ranks within the Conzetta Clan and knew she would have to earn her way back up through those ranks by showing her loyalty and abilities. Upon his bidding she took a seat. Stephen sat down beside her uncorking the strange bottle and filled a glass much smaller than the one he had previously handed her.

"This is the final rite of initiation. With this glass, you will drink the blood of Clan Conzetta and become one of us. Your own blood will change to align with that of ours, and you will now be identifiable to the others within our clan as one of our own. Every member must do this. Once you have partaken of our blood, you are inducted as a full member. You will be given access to your own funds, weapons, and accessories, as well as given a list of contacts who will be assigned to you."

Stephen Escalus had captured her eyes with his amber orbs as he was speaking and although Marissa had become lost in them she heard every word he spoke clearly listening intently and understanding them fully.

"This is the first and last time you will do this. If you choose to leave us at some later date, you will not be given another opportunity to join again. You will be marked as one who has chosen to leave, and branded an outcast. However, as long as you stay within the clan, your troubles and worries from your past life will bother you no longer. This I assure you. It is not a light-hearted choice I place before you, Marissa, but you would not be here if you had not shown me that you are sincerely interested in going through with this. If you change your mind, here and now, I shall let you go but you will be on your own to deal with Joseph and the consequences. That is your choice."

Even the mentioning of the crazed Joseph had not caused her to allow her eyes to divert from Stephens. The words he had spoken had hit their mark. your troubles and worries from your past life will bother you no longer. Without even realizing it Marissa had begun nodding her head in agreement. Her thoughts overwhelmed her. Was she a coward for running or was she doing what she needed in order to preserve her own sanity? Would Sebastian have wanted this for her? Sebastian! Although he was gone he had lived on inside of her and she was suddenly certain that he had somehow from the grave reached out and led her to Stephen. Or whatever his name truly was. It was of little importance to her at this point. By Stephens actions and the code she could see that he lived by she knew that Sebastian would have trusted him and wanted of her to do the same.

"Now is the time to make your decision and take the next step towards your future."

With no hesitation and a renewed sense of self esteem and confidence she took the glass and raising it as if in proposing a toast Marissa lifted the glass bowing her head in complete respect to her new Elder Lord saying only “To the future my Lord and to my new life here as a member of Clan Conzetta.”

Marissa lifted the glass to her lips her tongue lingering on the rim momentarily before allowing the liquid to grace her and fill her with the essence of Clan Conzetta. Setting the glass down she looked directly into Stephens eyes placing her hand around the back of his neck running her fingers lightly through his hair and over his neck as she leaned up brushing her lips to his before pulling away and purring through the simple whispered words “Thank you, Stephen.”

[Anne Bonny]

Miserable silence permeated the Dreamliner, and the limousine after that as Lilith and Hector made their way to the hotel. The vampiress could only guess at Hector's thoughts about the journey, their reason for the invitation, and their host. But if she was perfectly frank, Lilith was too engrossed in her own emotions to worry about Hector for a few hours. She sat wordlessly, staring out the window, trying her best to sort through one thought after the other.

This "Stephen" was Rhett. Her Rhett from so many decades ago. The vampire of Conzetta had been familiar from the start. His touches, gentle but firm, his satin smooth voice, even the way he had moved all had teased at her memories. But Lilith hadn't been able to place them until that kiss.

It had taken everything that was left of her willpower not to whisper his name as Stephen drew his lips away from hers. The name she had known him by when he had kissed her the first time on the steamer. Everything about him was the same, from his fingers brushing her cheek to the thinly veiled passion she could sense in his kiss. Lilith was certain she could feel the salty breeze through her hair, and she half expected to open her eyes and be standing on the deck, bathed in moonlight, with a dark haired man holding her close.

But when she did finally open her eyes, she was met with shining gold instead of Rhett's clear blue gaze. Lilith had pulled away, feeling slightly confused. How could this be him? She had read herself that he had died, not very long after their trip to Russia. Faking one's death seemed to be a bit of an extreme way to get a girl to forget you, she mused. Lilith turned towards the window and hadn't spoken the rest of the trip.

Stephen, or Rhett, or whatever he would be calling himself when she met him again, had bid them farewell and was off as soon as they had landed. The limousine ride to the hotel was mercifully short, and Lilith was beginning to feel the effects of fatigue. She risked a glance over to Hector as they pulled up to their destination. The lycan had been tired at dinner, he must be miserable by now she thought with a surprising stab of pity.

Their rooms were next door to one another, but as Hector moved past her doorway to get to his, Lilith again reached out to touch his arm. "I know you're tired," she said, meeting his eyes for the first time since dinner. "But would you please come in? I would like someone to talk to."

To her relief he agreed and they both entered a large suite. The front room had inviting furniture and even a small bar, but Lilith ignored both and began to slowly pace the floor in thought. Under normal circumstances, she would never let anyone see her in this state; worried, uncertain, a bit fearful. But Hector had received Conzetta's invitation too, and she was kidding herself if she thought he hadn't seen Stephen's kiss. What would it matter to put up a front now?

"I don't think I trust this Stephen," Lilith began bluntly, wringing her hands in front of her as she walked. "I knew him once, as you might have guessed. One of my failed romances that you will make fun of me for later, I'm sure. But then he went by a different name. I'll spare you the details, but he and I were on a mission together, nearly a century ago. He disappeared shortly after and I hadn't heard from him until now. I had thought he was dead.

"But that is the smaller of the issues at hand, isn't it?" Lilith paused to take off her coat. She dug in one of the pockets and retrieved the sealed letter the cabbie had delivered. "It says the same thing. An invitation to join Conzetta. Only he signed it with his former initials."

With a snort she passed the paper to her companion. "I don't know what to think of it, Hector. Valentine has never wronged me. I have no reason to turn against them. But these are trying times, and what if he is right about things changing? If Conzetta offers us protection from this civil war Stephen speaks of, would we be foolish to refuse?"

The night was fading into grey through her window, and Lilith crossed the room to close the curtains. She ran her fingers through her hair before continuing.

"He spoke of an out; that he would allow us to leave if we changed our minds. But it would certainly be too late by then. If we leave Valentine, we would be branded as traitors. There's no going back after that."

And she would already have plenty of explaining to do for abandoning her mission and flying across the country on a whim, Lilith knew. But she didn't speak that particular concern. She was Hector's commanding officer on the mission, and she would take whatever punishment her Elders would give her for it. Hector was just following her orders, and she would be sure to tell them that if it came down to it.

Her eyes rose to meet the lycan's. "I'm sorry I dragged you into this Hector. But, I am selfishly thankful that you are here." She paused, offering him a somber smile. "But I fear that I cannot simply give a command for this decision and expect you to follow it."

[Flex]

Lleyton was fucked.

His motorcycle was, what seemed like, a million miles away. Fucked He had been out of contact with his clan for at LEAST a few good months (it was a mundane--and pointless--task, keeping track of time, especially when you had so much of it). Fucked And to top it of, he was in the company of his good friend, Ray “Ray Drayne” Drayne; the guy was a living tragedy, the bane of Conzetta and, well, a complete alcoholic. Heck, even now he was chugging away at a bottle of whiskey, stupidly oblivious of how crucial a moment this was, for BOTH of them. Fucked.

Lleyton. Fucked. Was. Fucked. FUCKED. Fucked.

“Man, I’m fucked,” Lleyton groaned, burying his face in his hands. He was sitting in the graffiti-strewn carriage of a train that was moving slower than the freaking tortoise in whatever fucked-up nursery rhyme his mother had read to him as a child--eons ago, when uttering a word like “fuck” would have resulted in a punishment worse than death. What was the name of that nursery rhyme, anyway? Or was it one of those freaking fairy tales? Or an Aesop Fable? Lleyton couldn’t remember, and he couldn’t really give a shit, either… then again, he would probably ask Lucius about it, someday… if the old man ever forgave him for acting like the complete dumbass that he truly was.

“Fucked, eh?” a voice broke through his reverie and the rugged, goony face of Ray, appeared above him. Lleyton--somewhat disturbed by this unscheduled (and quite frankly, unwelcome) appearance of his good friend--grumpily murmured in reply and got up, kicking an assortment of empty alcohol bottles and recyclable materials out of the way as he made his way to the other end of the carriage. “Dude, come on,” Ray laughed, letting out yet another guffaw, “if you’re fucked, what do you have to lose? Besides, this shit is just too good to say ‘no’ to. So… come on; drink away… your sorrows,” he managed, before popping open the bottle and sucking greedily at the liquid inside.

Lleyton, disgruntled and curious, turned a fraction of an inch in Ray’s direction, caught side of the label--JACK DANIELS--and immediately lost interest. “Man, fuck, are you serious? That shit is worse than that fucking voodoo… bloody… whatever the fuck that was… that initiation ceremony drink, remember?” He made a wretched face, grasping his neck and rolling his eyes backwards. Ray, suddenly overcome by laughed, snorted and lost his hold on the Jack Daniels bottle, dropping it. The bottle smashed against the train floor, a mess of golden liquid and transparent glass. “Shit, man, look what you’ve done,” Lleyton moaned, anxiously running a hand up the side of his head; the brief euphoric moment lost. “But yeah, that shit was god-awful. Crazy bad.”

Lleyton and Ray had spent the last two months (thirty days, in actuality) taking the high life to an all new level; wild parties, gorgeous girls and a million glasses of alcohol. Man, the last two months were, well, incredible… to say the least. The aforementioned parties, women and beverages had been THE fucking shit and all Lleyton had to do was close his eyes to revisit all those glorious moments and memories; they were all so clear and new in his mind. That was the beauty of being a werewolf.

He and Ray had set up camp in the basement of a rundown apartment and made the place their very own; they snuck away a television, furniture, games consoles, a fridge chock-a-block-freaking-full of food… all their necessities and had a fucking awesome time in general. However, in retrospect, Lleyton had little clue of why he and Ray had CHOSEN to act so fucking rebelliously; it wasn’t completely unlike them, yet… it wasn’t like them at all. They had always stuck to the basis; their tasks, their missions, the rules and regulations of Conzetta that they were expected to uphold… and sure, there had been a FEW mishaps along the way--okay, well, maybe MORE than a few and Ray was to blame for at least 99.95% of them--but they had always finished what was expected of them on time and to the best of their abilities and Lleyton’s abilities were of a very high-standard.

“Fuck, fine. Let’s see what shit you’ve brought here,” Lleyton gave in, dropping to his knees and setting his eyes on the crate of alcohol that Ray, in a frenzied moment of panic and indecision, had decided to bring along with him. “Oh,” and he added, as an afterthought, “we need to find some way to get back our motorcycles, I just… don’t feel the fucking same without mine,” he shrugged, still rummaging through the alcohol collection, “damn it, none of this shit is good.” Nevertheless, he picked-up a bottle of random and popped it open, holding it to his mouth. As the liquid burst against the sensitive taste buds of his tongue, he couldn’t help but grin. Fuck, yes. He had one goal, as of the time being: Drink, drink and drink--and maybe even drink enough to ACTUALLY get drunk. He would deal with whatever he had to deal with once the crappy Buffalo Metro Rail train arrived where he fucking needed it to arrive; all his other priorities could piss-off, for the time being, anyway.

Ray, draining another bottle empty, sighed happily and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “Hey, dude, you know… this place, this shithouse… Hay-Adams--”
“Shithouse? I thought it was a fucking five-star-hotel.”
“Whatever. Look, this hotel, well…” Ray interrupted himself with yet another peal of drunken laughter, “they say it’s, like, haunted by a ghost or some shit. Honestly,” he dropped his voice, for effect, “uh… the wife of Henry Adams, uh… Clover, I think her name was. But yeah--”
“Henry Adams?” Lleyton blurted, reaching for another bottle.
“Yeah, he was, like, this… really, really smart guy.”
“Like Roosevelt?”
“Fuck, yeah,” Ray laughed, leaning back and nodding at Lleyton as if he had just said something very wise. “Like Roosevelt, except with a wife who’s a ghost.” At this, he burst into raucous, uncontrolled, alcohol-sputtering laughter.

At this, Lleyton simply grimaced and let the last few drops of alcohol slip down the bottle and into his mouth, before dropping it next to him. The bottle rocked to the motions of the train and for a second Lleyton pictured it as an empty carcass, abandoned on the vinyl. “Fuck this shit,” he groaned, rubbing his fingers against his temple and shaking his head clear of the thought, “I don’t need this, seriously man--”

Approaching Layafette Square, a generic female voice interjected, taking Lleyton completely by surprise. It took a few moments for the message to register, however, when it did, he found himself painfully aware of what was going on. The train they were in was making the rackety motions that seemed to herald an upcoming station, they had completely TRASHED the carriage they were in--the entire carriage, which he had to admit had already been a mess when they had entered it--was a stunning display of broken glass and Ray, who had allowed himself as much alcohol as he had fucking pleased, was drunk and murmuring stupidly.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck,” Lleyton hissed, getting up and pacing around the carriage. Drink, drink and drink? How could he have been so fucking stupid? Hadn’t he learnt from the past two months? Hadn’t he had ENOUGH fun? Yet, even as he silently ranted at himself, he could help but think that you could never have enough fun. You could never make too many stupid decisions, you could never grow up. Or, maybe… fuck it. He had gotten himself into the fix that he had gotten himself into, and he would…

If Conzetta dropped him, all he would have was his wallet, his mobile phone and his gun… oh, and Ray--and all the shit they had left back at their “den”, but… without Conzetta… shit, shit, SHIT. He could not risk this; he would have to make the best of his current pathetic situation and tell himself that he would grow up from this experience and not find himself in a similarly crappy situation in the future. “Ray, fuck, man… get UP,” he growled at his friend, pulling him to his feet as they arrived at Layafette Square. It would only be a short walk to the Hay-Adams Hotel, where Lucius, the Console Elder, was located… apparently.

This doors of the train swung open and Lleyton attempted to rush outside, however with Ray’s drunken, bulky frame clinging onto him for support, all he could manage was a hobble. The air outside was brisk and cool and, from the look of the sky, quickly approaching dark. The beginnings of a brilliant sunset were appearing on the horizon, however, Lleyton had more important things to worry about; like his future… and Ray’s as well. Fuck, would the guy EVER freaking grow up? Lleyton shot his friend a disgusted look as they slowly, yet steadily (sort of), made their way to the Hay-Adams hotel, through Layafette Square.

“I see a little silhouetto of a man, scaramouche, scaramouche, will you do the fandango?” Ray murmured into Lleyton’s ear, raising his voice louder for all the people around them, “thunderbolts and lightning… very, very frightening… ME!”

“Oh shit, fuck no, man. Fuck, no. Not fucking now,” Lleyton pleaded, grasping his friend by the shoulders and looking him in the eyes. “Not now. Okay? Not now.” Ray was famous for breaking randomly into songs when he was drunk--like really, really, deliriously drunk--something that wasn’t so bad in a private situation, but… surrounded by people in Layafette Square, which was right fucking next to the hotel their, well, leader was in? No fucking way; especially when that leader hadn’t seen them in two freaking months and would most likely not be pleased by their sudden appearance. Not to mention that they had been MIA during what was, reportedly, the beginnings of some sort of civil war between the clans. Lleyton wasn’t one-hundred-percent sure of the details, but… Ari--another of the werewolves at Conzetta--had given him a general outline that morning and… they weren’t pretty.

But it was too late, just too fucking late. Ray, eyes closed, fell back into the song with an alarming passion. “Galileo, Galileo, Galileo, Galileo. Galileo Figaro magnifico-o-o-O!” In all honesty, he had an excellent voice; gravely, yet tuneful at the same time, however, Lleyton was finding it almost impossible to fully appreciate his singing; they were surrounded by people, not too far away from their clan leader and Ray, his friend and acquaintance, was wasted and singing at the top of his fucking voice. They were freaking doomed.

“He’s just a poor boy, from a poor family. Spare him his life from this MONSTROSITY!” Ray declared passionately, causing people all around them to turn around in shock. Lleyton attempted to brush through the crowd, apologising quietly as they progressed in the direction of the hotel. He didn’t WANT to know what they fucking looked like; two six foot plus guys, clinging onto each other for dear life, one singing ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ at the top of his voice… fuck, fuck, FUCK.

“Uh… is your friend all right?” a lady next to them asked, her eyebrows quirking inquisitively.

What a fucking stupid question. “Uh, yeah, he’ll be fine. He’s just… drunk… ma’am,” Lleyton told the woman, flashing her as charming a grin he could muster--which, in truth, wasn’t very charming; he just wasn’t in the fucking mood; he had had a few drinks himself and Ray was singing as they approached their impending doom. Bustling though the crowds, Lleyton found himself apologising for his friend’s behaviour at least fifteen-fucking-thousand times before they finally reached the Hay-Adams Hotel. And yet, Ray continued to sing.

“Uh, man,” Lleyton told Ray wearily, “you just stay out here, okay? And, uh, keep singing if you want, um…” he quirked his eyebrows, “maybe not TOO loud, you know? Try to keep it down, uh, yeah…” was all he could he manage, before walking up the stairs that lead to the haunted Hay-Adams. Ray continued to sing and Lleyton couldn’t help but hope that the locals would shower him in money… he could be a busker, right? Right? At least that would be some kind of fucking compensation for the freakshow that he had made of the both of them. Fuck, fuck, fuck; Lleyton was in deep shit.

He tried to calm himself down as he entered the swanky hotel foyer, subconsciously patting down his coat and jeans. The air condition was working and Lleyton couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of relaxation, he stretched, yawning tiredly, before walking towards the reception desk; the lady behind the counter--a gorgeous redhead--looked-up from whatever she had been busying herself in. “Uh… Lleyton… Lleyton Jonathan Tallis,” Lleyton grinned, holding out his hand. She didn’t take it. He let his hand fall to the counter and the receptionist gasped in surprise when it made more of an impact than that of a normal human being’s, knocking over a vase and a few other ornaments. Fuck. “Sorry about that, I’ll pick those up in a second, I promise, but…” Lleyton flashed the woman a cheeky smile, hoping it would calm her down. “I’ve got this friend here, I mean… I think he’s still here. I… wonder if you could tell me where he is…”

[Stream]

The lycan listened to the vampiress speak only half paying attention, barely able to keep himself upright, no doubt unable to fully give Lilith the concentration and attention she fully observed. He surveyed her body through weary eyes as he spoke, sensing the tense and distressing tone in her voice, as well as her almost panicking body language.

"I'm not going to lie to you; I heard about half of what you said. You honestly can't expect either of us to make a clear and coherent decision after staying up so late and with a healthy amount of alcohol in each of us?" Hector closed his eyes and gulped, trying to gain his composure. He was speaking fast and his words were slurred.

"You say you know this is your Rhett Butler, correct? He's already lied to us once, and it's not very normal for a Conzetta member to try and poach two members right away. He already knows you, a little more personally than you'd like I'm sure, but he's never met me. I don't know what his angle is, or if he even has one. But his honesty has been… less than admirable." he gave out a sleigh smirk as he spoke, sensing his words poked at Lilith's pride.

"As I told you, this isn't a decision that you'll make intoxicated and without a good night's sleep," he paused for a moment, narrowing his yes on Lilith's. "though you've seemed to have already decided, and my decision won't matter to you. Valentine will not take your treason lightly, and if I decide to come along, they will surely be less than kind with an Omega. He's already invited us to dinner, and he's obviously interested in you. Question him for more information. I doubt he'll lighten up too much in front of me, but we can at least get his true name and motive before making our decision."

Hector walked slowly towards the suite's entrance, pulling the door open halfway before pausing and turning back to Lilith.

"Neither of you will probably find much use out of me, anyways. He's more interested in pulling you onto his side. Conzetta could pull dozens of Omegas out its pocket, no need for another."

With that, Hector retreated back to his room, collapsing onto his bed for a much awaited night's sleep, his mind too blurry to even comprehend the decisions that waited for him.

[Heirosyth]

Marissa lifted the glass to her lips her tongue lingering on the rim momentarily before allowing the liquid to grace her and fill her with the essence of Clan Conzetta. Setting the glass down she looked directly into Stephens eyes placing her hand around the back of his neck running her fingers lightly through his hair and over his neck as she leaned up brushing her lips to his before pulling away and purring through the simple whispered words “Thank you, Stephen.”

His golden eyes, glowing with an unnatural light, feasted upon her form as shadows danced across her eyes, her cheeks, her lips, and every curve of her body. The teal v-neck sweater and simple black form fitting skirt spoke of comfort and efficiency in escaping her past while concealing the fresh tender bruises left beneath. Lucius's hypnotic gaze rose slowly as raised himself up on the couch, holding her eyes transfixed in his in the breathless moment of heat that passed between them, washing over the room from the fire like a tropical breeze on this cold winter night.

And then he struck with all the power and flash of lightning, sinking his fangs deep into her exposed neck. His warm hands slid around her sweater in a moment, holding her fast with animalistic strength as the pain and pleasure of his intoxicating bite shot through her, electrifying her entire body as the rushing transfusion of blood set her veins on fire and sent tingling waves all the way down to her toes. Lucius gripped her tight, feeding deeply and voraciously, draining her, plunging her into the deep dive of one who is at the mercy of the breakers, unable to stop, unable to get her bearings; awash with the dizziness of that one powerful moment and reeling as the world slid off its axis and whirled slowly around her. There was nothing she could do but gasp and feel...

...feel the hot blood drunk from her throat, feel the pressure of his powerful bite upon her skin, the piercing sensation of those feasting fangs; and the relentless strength and warmth that radiated from his fingers and hands into her body as he held her firmly while he fed. Her heart skipped, raced furiously, ran wild as a lost child in the darkness running in the midst of a storm, pitter-patter-pounding of frantic feet upon the wet ground - running... running... running...

And then he relaxed his merciless hold, laying her back softly upon the couch, easing his fangs from her neck, while pulling forth a clean white piece of cloth and laying it gently upon the puncture wounds. He licked his lips once, and gazed down at her fluttering eyes, lightly brushing her hair from her face, delicately stroking her cheek with the backs of his fingers. She breathed softly and shallowly, and he watched her breasts rise and fall with each of her breaths. He traced his lingering fingertips down over her body and sat back, beholding her stunned form, as she floated between consciousness and the other world of dreams, now beckoning to her.

"Midnight angel," he whispered with a glimmering smile caressing her body softly. "Let me light the way for you..." The words fell like a mysterious lay upon Marissa's ears as if sung by a spirit from across a dark ocean. Lucius's form, now part-shadow, part-phantom, part-man rose and disappeared for a time, though she couldn't tell just how many moments had passed--time had no meaning where she was, and the clocks would melt off the walls if she could but see them. Images of light and darkness formed the patchwork illusions of her vision now...

Candles floating in the darkness, whispering seductive French accents in her ears, reaching out with streaming fingers of blazing light to caress her body, to slide over her curves and around her hips until they danced upon her dangling feet. She was floating on a river of darkness, borne beneath stretching stars that tenderly touched her face and lit up her eyes with their wavering glow.

The sound of rushing water falling down around her; cascading waterfall rushing into the billowing clouds of a steamy perfume drifting over her skin. Hot. Wet. Pressed against the taut, muscular rippling cords of another. Broad back. Smooth chest. Wrapped in the embrace of a lion.

Knotting stomach gripping tightly to a deep, pounding rhythm, like the heady ecstasy of a humid jungle fever. Fluttering heartbeat, throbbing with pain and pleasure through pulsing contractions. Nails. Clenching. Kisses like butterflies upon a bare stomach, ravishing the peaks of higher climes in the rush of lips and teeth, sucking out the sweet nectar of honey relinquished upon the rising tension of a breaking sweat.

Silk. Sliding like slippery passion beneath the hips and skin of warm flesh. Arched muscles wrap up of their own accord, heedless of any conscious command that Her thoughts might give. Broken breaths beat upon each other between the boundaries of brushing lips, vying for breath in, breathe out. Holding on for all that breaks forth inside into a breathless scream of unbridled vivacity beyond anything language could know.

Sheets of scented passion wrapped close, kissing the skin to sleep with a lullaby of dreamless rest.

When morning came, Stephen would be gone. And beside Marissa would lie a solitary rose upon shimmering black sheets of luxurious silk. The night's touch would remain upon her body through daybreak.

Upon a crystal glass table in the suite's living space where the fire was now quiet, a card awaited Marissa. It read as follows:


Welcome to Conzetta, Marissa,
Codename: Melisandra Vixen.
Your new card and phone await you.
Take the day, rest up, and see the city.
The Council will call on you soon.

~L

[StormWolf]

((Yet another disclaimer! Yay! Behold, one of the most fucked up things I have ever written!))


Lead settled in on Leon's eyelids, slowly closing his windows to his time of heavenly bliss and hellish torment. The darkness crept upon him, swallowing him slowly, as if he were some succulent desert. Leon dreaded sleep, he loathed where his mind took him. In that prison, he was chained and collared to what he really was.

A Killer.

A Monster.

A Beast.

Leon fought with all his might to not stumble into his slumber, but it was too late. Sleep took him with an unforgiving clench of its iron fist. He could no longer feel the warmth of his beloved next to him, and he felt lost. The Alpha was alone, suspended in nothingness, bare as a baby and chilled to the bone. Those cold blue eyes searched the endless blackness of his mind, only getting one sound as a response.

Claws raking against stone. It was far away at first, but it drew closer and closer until he could feel those talons of black steel tormenting the inside of his skull. He wanted to wake up. Anything but this! Anything but this!!!!

The tormentor appeared, a constantly shifting being, never holding one form for too long, but it always held Leon's eyes in its head. It took the form of White Scar and held it, a cruel smile upon that muzzle.

'Been a while. You have been having good dreams, my boy. I am afraid that just will not do.' the Tormentor laughed coldly, walking circles around Leon as strands of razor wire emerged from the blackness and wrapped themselves around him, sinking their steel teeth into his flesh, ever moving, slicing his body in a torturous and slow manner.

'All right, so you are in no mood to talk to little ol' me.... but face it child, you have no choice. In here, I RULE you.' it laughed again, taking the form of Acacia, running icy cold hands down his muscular chest and in-between his legs, toying with him.

'Come on, baby.... 'aint I just a sexy little thing?' Leon snarled, it still held the voice of the Tormentor, the voice of the Devil himself. The Alpha struggled against his restraints.

"Leave me alone. You have been nothing but trouble to me. You always make me remember!" A blunt object smashed into Leon's jaw, blurring his vision, when his vision re-focused, he saw Joseph standing there with his cane.

'Tough shit, pussy-willow! You know why I exist! You were to weak to save ~ shift~ her." Switching to his late wife, Nina, in mid-sentence, the Tormentor smiled at him cruelly. 'What you fail to comprehend is that you created me to deal with sweet little Nina's death. You think I don't suffer? My first memory is of her demise! You should thank me! If not for me, you would be dead!'

"Go away! I renounce you! Please, please don't make me remember..." Leon begged, he wept. Those memories were too painful, he couldn't take it. The Tormentor walked up to Leon and brushed his cheek, looking at him with his eyes in Nina's body.

'I a truly sorry, Leon, but happiness does not suit you.'

"NOOOOO!!!!"

------

The Darkness was banished to behold a downtrodden camp that reeked of death. Leon was a ghost, watching his own memories of that time of his youth. He was little over eighteen, the proper age for a lycan male to start finding a mate. Leon was handsome then, no scars to speak of and his youthful mirth brought him Nina, a beautiful girl he had to nearly kill for.

Her beauty was soiled by mud and tears and shackles. Men in black coats pushed them along, their eyes cold and un-living, Sanguines.

---
'Do you remember this?'

"Yes, I do. Now make it stop!"

'Oh no no no no. I can't do that. Then you'll miss the point.'

---
"Wonderful specimines you have brought me, Schtiglits. Dankesher. Carry on." A handsome man in his middle ages said with a crooked grin as he peered down at Nina and the young and stubborn Leon standing between the two of them.

"Jawol, Doctor Joseph." The soldier said with a click of his heels and a salute before leaving his tent. Joseph chuckled with a lifeless and loveless mirth that would make Lucifer shiver. He took the young Leon by the chin and looked at the naked boy, jabbing him in various ares with the silver hands of his cane to see the response.

"Hehehe. You are quite the champion, aren't you. And such a gentleman, defending your woman. How old is she? Eighteen, thereabouts?" He clubbed Leon over the head with a mad laugh that still makes Leon sick to his stomach. All wend dark. The last thing he could see was the terrified look on Nina's face.

---
"Please, no more. Please! I don't want to see this again! It will kill me! PLEASE!!!!" Leon begged, the razor wire digging deep to hold him back.

'I am sorry, Leon. I truly am, but you have to see it all. It will all be worth it in the end.'
---

Leon struggled and fought against his restraints. The Wolfsbane thorns dug into his flesh, and still he fought. The rage in his veins burned more than the poison.

"Leave her alone! I swear, if you lay one hand on her...." the young Leon was cut off by the electrical shock of the chair he was strapped to. His scream caught in his throat as his muscles convulsed.

"You impress me, Leon Wulfschild of the Clan Bravado. You show resistance to silver and Wolfsbane the likes of which I have only heard of in horror stories. You are a keeper, for sure." The man chuckled, patting the boy on the cheek.

"And little Nina, I must congratulate you on being a mother. Yes, you are carrying our little champion's baby. What a strong baby that will be." Joseph looked almost dreamy, but something dark was in those eyes. "I could never imagine that the Elder Brood was still around, the pureblooded remnants of the Romulus and Remus' loins." Joseph's demented mirth died slowly as he pulled out a dagger and drove the silver wedge into the slightly distended abdomen of Nina. Leon and Nina cried in agony together as they witnessed the murder of their unborn child.

"You BASTARD!!!!!" Leon roared, his restraints breaking as he lunged. Joseph pulled the knife from Nina's belly and slashed at Leon's face, sending the boy to the ground with a howl of agony as the silver burned.

"Sergeant, bring in the boys. I have heard complaints about not getting themselves off enough." he smiled spitefully at Leon. "Let them have their fill of the wee she-bitch."

"Thank you, doctor. What should we do afterwards?" the soldier standing guard inquired. Joseph chuckled.

"Call for me. I will tend to her."

---
"Enough! No more! I cannot take it anymore! I do not want this darkness!"

'That is the problem, dear. You need to accept it. Let it fill you with its venom and vile power.'

"Never! I am happy with Acacia!"

'Your tears tell me a different story.'
---

Eight Sanguine Vampires entered and wasted no time in disrobing, the lantern light casting cruel shadows upon their pearly white flesh. Young Leon was forced to watch, restrained by razor wire, getting a set of lashings across his back whenever he fought too hard. The tortured moans of his beloved tore him apart on the inside. He could see everything, smell everything. Their bodies danced in such a way that God should have smitten the entire place. For an eternity they took Nina and she could do nothing, for an eternity they beat and brutalized her. For an eternity, Leon had to watch.

Months passed and the doctor would come and run tests on Nina. She carried a different child now, an abomination that wracked her frame with pain. Leon never slept that entire time, he could not, not with her wails of pain as the baby grew and sapped her of her life. Leon wanted to die. One day, he just became detached, like he was no longer driving. The strain on his mind finally caused him to cave, forcing him to create some way to cope with his wretched existence.

One night, Leon finally broke free and crawled to his Nina, seven months heavy with the abomination within her. She was just crying in agony as the child tore at her from the inside. She leaned up with all her strength and placed a tender kiss on Leon's lips, tracing the pink and puckered scar traversing his face.

"Please my love, I cannot bear this pain. Please.... don't make me suffer any more than I already have." She pleaded, her voice that of a desperate creature, a wolf begging the hunter to plant the bullet in its head.

"No, Nina. I cannot.... You ask me to do too much... Please don't make me..." Leon began, tears running down that young face, but he was cut off by a shrill cry of pain from Nina as she gripped her stomach tightly.

"Please Leon! I can't bear this any more! Please!!!" Leon begged her to not ask this of him, but she continued to beg, asking him to do this dark deed out of love and mercy. He had no gun, he had no knife or tool in which to deal death to his mate.

"I will always love you, Nina. Please forgive me. I'll set us free.... you'll see." he kissed her one last time, not caring how much her mouth tasted of Sanguine filth. He wrapped his muscular arms around her and hugged her tight, sobbing silently with her for a moment, humming a song (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96ju7754pXU) to her as he brushed her hair. He then cradled her head in his hands, taking several deep breaths before....

~Snap~

Nina's neck was severed by those powerful hands; quick, clean, and painless. Leon could not move, his legs felt like lead and his heart shattered like the finest glass. It was not until the heat of the rising sun hit his face did Leon's expression even change.
---
'I am sorry, Leon. We both loved her more than life itself, and you had to kill her. I cannot imagine that burden.' The Tormentor said solemnly, casting its cold gaze at Leon.

"Show me what I did next..." Leon growled.

'Why?' The tormentor said in a sly tone, quirking an eyebrow.

"I want to see it..."
---

Solitude, years upon years of dark solitude. The war ended for the world, but not for Leon. Never for Leon. He remembered every face that violated Nina, every name and every rank. Driven by a hatred blacker than the soul of Satan, he found those who did what they did and he made their families watch as he butchered them. In other cases, he would tie the guilty up and skin their eyelids, forcing them to watch as Leon tore apart their spouse, sons, daughters, and whatever else they held dear in the flesh with his bare hands. He was filled with a dark and evil pleasure at the sorrow and lament of his hated enemies. He reveled at his newfound power. He laughed at his immense strength and cried at his loneliness.

He hunted for Joseph year after year, but the bastard always eluded him. Very rarely did he enjoy the pleasure of company, even Grace did not see him much, having smelled the blood on his hands and having seen how dangerous Leon was.

---

'Do you understand now, Leon? You hurt everything you adore. You are a magnet of sorrow. As long as Joseph lives, you will keep losing everything you cherish. Acacia will die, and your family with her. Your pack will die. Your friends, your Clan, leaving you to last.' The Tormentor walked an orbit around the suspended Leon, those cold eyes never leaving his form.

"I know what I have to do...." Leon mumbled, his hatred for Joseph and the Clan Sanguine renewed with such power and strength that the void around him trembled.

'Oh? And that would be?' The Tormentor smirked wryly, already knowing what Leon was going to say.

"I need to kill what Joseph holds dearest to him.... I am going to murder Joseph's son." The Alpha yelled, his eyes furious. He Changed in a flash, becoming White Scar, the razor wire shredding as the great beast snarled in the purest form of utter loathing.

'Yes....'



Leon's eyes shot open, burning like coals from a fire. It was morning, finally. He must have nodded off from exhaustion. He felt a slight discomfort in his palms, looking down to see pools of dark crimson around his hands, his claws digging deep into his palms. The Alpha sat up and looked at his hands, watching the wounds slowly knit themselves back together.

"Joseph.... your precious bloodline will end at my hands...." he growled to himself. He looked to his wife, brushing her face with the back of his hand gently before resting it on her slim abdomen. He became a statue, his eyes filled with a fiery passion but they remained colder than anything a mortal creature should know.

"He will never harm you like he did her. I will eat his heart before he lays a hand on you...." he said quietly.

You know what they say Leon, when you kill for revenge, dig two graves. Leon smiled a mad smile as he stared at nothing, hearing the voice of his Tormentor in his head. Exactly. One for Joseph, and one for his precious baby boy.

You are a salty fucker.... The Tormentor shuddered. YOu know what they say: Never give a Lycan grounds for revenge.

[Auki]

Acacia did not reply; her mate’s eyes were already sliding closed, his breath slowed. She allowed him the luxury of holding her a few minutes more before she moved; as tired as she was, she was not one to sleep fully clothed. Shifting his arm from around her waist, she did her best not to rock the bed as she rose and tiptoed across the duvet. The air felt crisper, colder, than it had lying with her mate. She removed her jacket reluctantly, shivering as the chill bit her skin. She had slept naked ever since she was a teenage – God, that was a long time ago – and old habits didn’t stop just because it was cold. She would be warm under the covers, next to Leon, regardless.
She had to sit down to remove her boots; positioning herself on the end of the bed so she could unzip them without bending down, an act that recently made her feel nauseous.

Leon’s murmuring interrupted the night’s quiet but she focused determinedly on her foot, refusing to listen. No matter how incomprehensible the words, even she could not kid herself he was mumbling ‘Acacia’. As far as she could make out, he never did. Irritably she threw her boots across the room, the dull thud of impact drowning out her mate for a second. She could feel him shifting behind her, obviously distressed, but she made no move to comfort him. It was not her he wanted. She grimaced; she still needed to remove her make-up. It was bad to leave it on over night.

Busying herself, she made her way wearily to the small en-suite bathroom that came with the room. Turning off the light in the bedroom, she closed the door on her mate, the bathroom illuminated in a glow of pastel yellow as she flicked the switch beside her. She stripped off the remainder of her clothes, kicking them into a bundle in the corner. She was fine…always fine…
Catching sight of herself in the mirror, she froze. As always, she told herself it could be worse…Tonight, the statement had no effect. Her eyes darted along her figure, drawn to every flaw in herself she had discovered after obsessing for years on end.

And that was the truth of it, she was flawed…so very flawed…

Hastily turning the tap on, full blast, she cupped her hands, watching them fill with cool liquid, willing her mind to go blank. When her hands were full, she splashed the water against her face, before repeating the process again.
She knew what Leon was dreaming about; she had worked it out long ago. The nightmares persisted to haunt him even whilst she slept in his arms. She had watched him one night, unable to sleep herself – He did not move much, nor did his voice ever raise above mumbling, but his expression…it was like watching her husband under torture. There was only one set of memories that could jerk that reaction from him – Memories when she was nothing more than another lycan to him…

Splash. Stop thinking like that you stupid woman.

But still, her mood remained bitter. Calling herself the love of his life would be lying to herself – If he had the choice between the two of them, well…she would always come second best. She had told herself to accept that; she had always had the firm believe that she could never be anyone’s ‘true love’. Yet, the realisation made her feel hollow.

Splash.

She had loved and lost – feelings fading, other girls catching the guy’s eye – and at the time, it had crushed her. Feelings of hurt persisted even now but they were overshadowed by the care that Leon had shown her. She had never obsessed about what could have been, what should have been. She had entered this relationship, free of burden. That’s how it should be.
That’s how it should be…

Splash.

Was she just some pawn in Leon’s frenetic chase of that bastard, Joseph? A symbol against the Sanguine that he had become stronger? His proof that if Nina was alive now, he would be able to protect her. Perhaps it was not important who it was as long as he was able to keep someone alive in this war – Acacia had just happened to be there at the right time.

Splash.

He probably had never even loved her.

“STOP THINKING LIKE THAT!”

Without thought, she smashed the side of her head against the sink, desperate to clear the thoughts from her head. The world trembled behind blurred vision. Blood dripped over her ear. She gasped for air. Pain webbed its way through her skull – She could barely think and that made her blissfully happy. Tears clung to her eyelashes and that irritated her - The pain was good. It allowed her to stop, to avoid exiting the bathroom and seeing her mate’s face, knowing that it was not her on his mind. It allowed her to stop, to breathe whilst still knowing she was alive. She felt severely hungover, the head injury not aiding her nausea. Dizzily, she grabbed at a towel, pushing it against her wound to subdue the bleeding. Unable to properly keep her balance, she lowered herself carefully onto the toilet, one hand steadying herself. She didn’t think she had damaged her skull; at least, she hoped she hadn’t.

Her actions, irrational as they were, seemed to help her see clearer. As the pain subsided and the ability to think returned, she came to a dull realisation.

The baby has come too soon.

Both her and the infant deserved Leon’s full attention – If he could not get over the past, how was he going to be a part of their future? His pursuit of Joseph would come to an end one day, the Sanguine more than likely tortured and murdered for his actions, and then? Would Leon spend the rest of his days with them, looking at her and wondering what could have been if his first love were still alive? Looking at their child and wishing it had come from a different mother? During the nights, he was still hers, Nina’s. Their child did not deserve that – It deserved parents who were solely committed to each other and it; a family free of trouble and pain.

She held her stomach, the towel still pressed firmly against her head. Perhaps it would be best if this baby were not born at all.

The thought made her feel ill and she did not dwell on it. Instead, she washed the blood from her hair, the injury already clotting, turning off the tap and drying her face with a fresh towel. Turning off the bathroom light, she exited into the dark, cautiously finding her way through the black, back to her mate. Still light-headed, the climb over her husband and into bed was less than graceful, but the warmth she received upon crawling under the duvet was more than enough to elevate her mood. She kissed her mate lightly upon the lips and once on his nose before turning away from him. Breathing deeply, she tried to will herself to sleep, but it felt like hours before she finally drifted off.

She would be fine in the morning; her husband once again hers. Until then, her stomach knotted in worry every time she felt him shift behind her.

[Shin.Aether]

Sol looked up at her surprised by Iris's words an amused smile came to his face as he nod. Drinking a small sip from the glass. "That actually doesn't sound half bad, the only problem is that the Sanguine Council has been hidden by Enchantment since the day Joseph's father died. And to be honest I can't say I am surprised it is. The fact is I've searched nearly everywhere in england, even breaking into Buckingham Palace on rumour."

A gentle swish of the bloodwine and Sol seemed to have come to a thought.
He walked back to a painting, a portrait of a red eyed dark haired women. In nothing more then a bustier and black skirt standing in a bloodied pond. A familiar smile came to his expression as he seemed to know her.

" Have you ever seen an image of Former Lady Retainer Addramalech? She was my sire durring the french and indian wars. Believe it or not it was the Conzetta's and Sanguine at war, some of the lycans themselves picked sides. Although we took our fair share of Lycan slaves, from those unlucky few who were captured. Well back then Lady Addramalech led her ladies below deck where we were all dying. I was even coming down with delirium, and dying of thirst you know. She had grown in repoire wih me and made me the first to be sired before we landed in Charles Town."

He enjoyed giving her a history lesson into the old house of Sanguine. Mainly to give her a new perspective instead of the nightmares of Joseph prolonged. Even so, what he was doing now was dangerous, he hadn't even shown these things to Marissa, knowing she would leave someday.

Behind the painting was a blank journal coated in a blackened leather binder. The emblem across was the black dragon from his signet ring. Looking over to her he carefully sized her up with those dark blue eyes.

"Whatever you do, the words of this book remain alive only in your mind. Recite them around anyone after the oath we must give, and a link to this will kill you."

Sol set the book onto the table carefully sure not to damage the book in any way. He took out an ivory handled silver emblazoned dagger. Holding his hand over the top, he slashed his palm dripping burning blood over top. The silver sizzled on top of the dragon before fading from view somehow. Looking over to Iris he turned the dagger handle first toward her, his skin burned. But Sol didn't seem the least bit effected by the silver as it burned him.

This was a serious manner to him, and though he seemed brutal. It was for their purpose that the information remained silent if it ever came to question. When she did the same Sol looked over to Iris and spoke a few words.

"The price of blood we paid, the rules of the Masquerade we obey. The knowledge and wisdom of the creators must be enforced. Let us now open the dastardly tales of the Forsaken Pillars Solstice."

The book swallowed the blood on its cover as an aura of crimson emblazoned the book. Ad the book swung open like a steel bear trap, the cover snapped with what seemed to be enough force to rip its fragile binding.

[Mysteria]

Moving herself slightly back from the Elder Marissa waited for the Conzetta Lord to address her but was met with only silence and his gaze grazing her form until finally reaching her viridian orbs and capturing them. Although a sudden rush of warmth flooded her very core she shuddered slightly as though a cold chill had just enveloped her.

As Stephen moved closer her eyes were still transfixed on his and Marissa's breath caught in her throat when he raised himself above her. Within an instant she felt pressure upon her neck and the strength of his embrace holding her. For a few seconds terror ran through her mind. She struggled to no avail her own strength no match for the Elder Lords. Had she been tricked? Had she been wrong about the Elder she knew only as Stephen and worse had she put herself into the hands of another maniac without knowing it? Within moments her questions were answered as she felt his teeth sinking into the tender flesh of her neck. She had felt this very sensation years before when Sebastian had found her that night oh so long ago.

Marissa became suddenly still as she relinquished herself to Stephen. She was safe now. Allowing the waves to settle over her she relished the sensations coursing through her body. Warmth, pressure, fervor from his fingertips sent glorious tremors of pleasure so intense through her that it bordered on painful yet was not. It was intoxicating beyond her wildest dreams.

Her heart raced as she felt the transfusion...she felt herself slipping away being drained barely able to breath and then... it was over. She gasped for breath and could hear herself moaning. No...she didn't want it to end. Feeling so weak Marissa was barely able to move and was no longer certain of her surroundings or where she even was anymore. The only thing that kept her grounded to reality was the feeling of Stephens fingertips lingering upon her and his whispered words.

"Midnight angel, let me light the way for you..."

Marissa could no longer see Stephen. She was surrounded by darkness and the flickering flame of candles floating around her. There was only Stephens warmth, his voice that prevented her from leaving this earth yet she was pulled into another realm within his embrace. Stars. There were millions of stars in the curtain of night or was it the electric shock of his fingertips smoothly gliding over her skin that she only saw? Each touch reverberated echoes of pleasure throughout her until there was nothing but the sound of French being whispered in her ear amidst the roar of rushing waters all around her.

Rapid successions of rhythmic movements stirred a beautiful ache inside until nails dug into the soft smooth flesh of the muscular chest pressed against her. Sighs escaped through bitten lips stealing breath as each kiss created cataclysmic tremors echoing through a molten center. Nails digging through clenching, clawing, tightening, bridled screams and blissful eruptions of awakenings into a galaxy where nothing else existed but that one moment of lost time and space until there was nothing left but the feeling of being enfolded in silken dreams and lullaby's of sweet peace.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The sun filtering through drawn curtains stirred Marissa from a deep slumber. She awakened to find herself wrapped in sheets of black silk and a rose laying beside her. Picking up the rose she inhaled it's aroma deeply smiling to herself as she did so. It hadn't been a dream. She could still feel his presence, his touch lying within her.

With a lazy yawn Marissa stretched and wrapping the silken sheet around her she arose from the bed and looked out over the gleaming white building across from her. Grabbing her duffel bag to head towards the shower she saw a phone, card and note on the fine glass table top. It read


Welcome to Conzetta, Marissa,
Codename: Melisandra Vixen.
Your new card and phone await you.
Take the day, rest up, and see the city.
The Council will call on you soon.

~L



Although Marissa knew not what the ~L stood for she could only assume it was another unknown alias to her. Once again a smile graced Marissas fine features before moving into the bath area and turning on the shower. Digging through the duffel bag she realized that her first course of action would be needing to obtain a decent wardrobe. She knew there was a Neiman Marcus nearby in D.C. Dropping the sheet she stepped into the shower fully expecting to feel the sting of the water upon the abrasions from her lashings but barely felt anything. Looking down she realized that the abrasions were already healing. When Sebastian had bitten her all of those years ago she had healed quickly. Stephens bite had done none less than Sebastians had and had also done exactly what she thought it would.

Marissa showered quickly and pulled on a simple outfit before getting her day started. First she remade the bed and then burrowed in her pocketbook to find her old phone. She didn't even need to look at the numbers in it to save any. There was only one she needed and she knew it without looking. Iris's number. Programming it into her new phone she removed the sims card from her old one and flushed it down the toilet before throwing her old phone in the trash can.

Grabbing her belongings and the rose she exited the room and the building, hailing a cab and instructing it to take her to the Ritz-Carlton at 1150 22nd Street. Marissa stepped into the luxury hotel and looked around the massive entrance hall. This would do just fine. Stepping up to the check in desk she made arrangements for her stay in the Ritz-Carlton Suite (http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/WashingtonDC/Rooms/RoomPhotos.htm?fd=9080F4EE-1E07-4C97-B81A-267475C477CB) and after storing her meager belongings once again exited the building to hail another cab.

When the cab driver asked her where to she replied only with "Neiman Marcus." The cab wove it's way through the streets before dropping her off in front of the famed store where she entered and began the process of rebuilding her wardrobe. It would be a wardrobe unlike her last. This one would be more refined and unrecognizable to anyone who might be searching for her. Filtering through the store she picked out several items to fill her closets. Several items were quickly chosen in a wardrobe that consisted of the mandatory little black dress (http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/productImagesPopup.jhtml?selected=mg&mwsInfo=large&item=prod98610020&yB=mg_prod98610020), a pleated jersey dress (http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod99160088&parentId=cat10340751&masterId=cat10100736&index=21&cmCat=cat000000cat000001cat17740747cat000127cat101 00736cat10340751), a day outfit (http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod98880086&parentId=cat12110763&masterId=cat13770760&index=12&cmCat=cat000000cat000001cat17740742cat13770760cat1 2110763), a formal white evening gown, (http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod94060007&parentId=cat9360737&masterId=cat9360734&index=20&cmCat=cat000000cat000001cat17740747cat000131cat936 0734cat9360737) a black evening gown, (http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod92710013&parentId=cat14110764&masterId=cat000727&index=47&cmCat=cat000000cat000001cat17740742cat000727cat141 10764) a silk business suit (http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod99160077&parentId=cat12110759&masterId=cat13770760&index=1&cmCat=cat000000cat000001cat17740742cat13770760cat1 2110759) and many other items.

Satisfied with her newly acquired wardrobe Marissa purchased several pairs of shoes and boots and luggage for traveling. She then found herself another taxi and returned to her suite where she hung all of the items. Satisfied that things were now in order she rang for room service and ordered a dinner to be brought up to her.

The day had passed by quickly and after her dinner Marissa lit the fire and settled into one of the comfortable chairs and began to do what she often found herself doing when time afforded it. She began to think. Many thoughts fluttered through her mind. Her thoughts encompassed her past, present and future.

She was out of Josephs grasp now but he was someone who would haunt her mind forever. Under his rule she had endured unimaginable suffering. She had seen things that she would never have wished to have seen. As Marissa stared into the fire she was transported to another time and place. In front of her she could see a young Leon Wulfschild chained and in agony as he watched his precious Nina being taken and tortured over and over again. She could see herself moving to care for the young couple after the atrocity had occurred. She saw herself caring for the wounded girl, nurturing her back to health. Then she saw herself entering the room only to find the young girl dead and Leon in tears.

In time she had helped Leon to escape only to be beaten severely by Joseph. Joseph had never been able to prove that she had helped Leon but had suspected it and it had been enough to send the crazed Elder Lord over the edge. She had suffered greatly at his hand and in his bed for her transgressions against him. Wulfschild hadn't even recognized her all of these years later at the lumber yard. Even though she had been the one to loosen his bonds, even though they had met years later in life....It had been so long ago and he had been young.

Marissa wondered if somewhere in the back of the Alphas subconscious mind if he had recognized her and if that is perhaps why he had allowed her to live. It was of little importance now anyhow. What was important was that he had escaped Josephs grasp once again. Even though Marissa had once again been beaten for her attempts to help the Alpha male, it was worth it to know that someday Joseph Hammerstein of Sanguine would earn his just rewards.

Marissa's thoughts moved to Stephen and the night that they had shared. She couldn't help but wonder if she would indeed see the Elder again one day. She was Conzetta now. She felt Conzetta in her blood. She had made her allegiance with them and would serve her new master as faithfully as she had served Sebastian. Stephen had given her a new life and for that she would be eternally in his debt. Somehow the once Alpha female would regain her status and prove to Stephen her worth within his own clan as she had done with Sebastian all of those years ago. Come hell or high water she was not about to let Stephen down.

The only thing tying Marissa to Sanguine now was her friendship with Iris. Her bond to the vampiress was strong and although Iris was still in the Sanguine clan Marissa knew that she could be trusted. Marissa had to think. Where could she go to wait being called upon by the Council? Where could she go that Iris would be able to understand in simple words.

Marissa poured herself a glass of Petit Verdot and stepped onto the balcony. Washington D.C was beautiful but she needed to get away from the hustle and bustle of big cities for awhile. She needed to go where she could find solitude, regroup, and give her spirit time to heal. But where? Where would she be able to go and still have Iris be able to find her? As if the heavens had heard her questions a cold wind stirred and blew across the lycan. Lycan's usually didn't mind the cold but this sudden blast of artic air seemed to chill Marissa to her very core as the word came to her mind.

Aspen!

A slow smile spread across her features as she moved from the balcony back to the chair to sit beside the warmth of the fire. Setting her glass down she picked up the new blackberry and began to create a message.

Where the west winds blow there's powder aglow with dawns anew and skies so blue.

Marissa hit send not knowing when the vampiress would find the message, but she knew that when the time came, Iris would know exactly who the message was from and where Marissa intended to go.

[Kirra]

Awaking to a chorus of violins. In the background, a piano and a harp played his favorite tune (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zlMP_kQ_-w). It was something Luke never got over. It wasn't a real chorus, only a very high definition recording that if not for his enhanced hearing he wouldn't be able to tell. Only the best was set up in his house.

Luke stretched out and let lose a yawn. He glanced over at the grandfather clock that sat on the wall beside his 100 inch plasma TV. It was 7 pm. Early enough for him to head out. Luke through the sheets off him, revealing his ivory form. His skin was firm as a rock.

A bell rang. "David is up already? That old timer needs to sleep more." Luke chuckled to himself. "It's open David." The door to the room opened and an elderly man walked in. He brought in a tray with a single cup on it. It was a glass of chi tea. While it provided Luke no sustenance, it was one of his favorite indulgences.

Since David's family had worked for Luke from the 1800s, David knew everything about the vampire world. Luke had even once offered to make the man a vampire. David gracefully declined stating, "I have no need for such things. I only wish to serve." Luke knew he only said that because David's father made him say it every day, but he accepted the mans wishes.

David should have been retired from the work allowing his child to take over, but with his death, David promised to stay until his grandchild had finished school. But due to his age, Luke would often fix things around the house himself. And when he wasn't around he would call in work crews to care for any damage.

David set the tray on the table at the foot of Luke's bed, and then walked to the closet to find his masters clothes for today. With a flash, Luke was beside him and set his hand on the old timer. "David. I told you, if you don't start sleeping more, you are going to get sick. Now please go rest up. I have no plans on leaving town tonight."

David smiled at his master and started to stroll out the door. As Luke was putting on a pair of jeans. Then he noticed David turn around. "Yes, David?" The old man smiled and pulled something from his front pocket. "Sir this letter. It arrived for you this morning amongst the normal mail. I thought you may want to read it." Luke flashed to his old friends side and retrieved the letter. "Thank you, my friend. Now get some rest."

As David left, Luke decided to check out the news. He turned on his TV, which was built into the wall, and put on the local news report. 'Hmm. Normal human issues.' He then turned his attention to the letter. It was hand written and used on old parchment. "Who the hell writes letters any more." Even being around for 500 plus years didn't stop Luke from keeping up with technology. Who ever wrote this was extremely old fashioned, or extremely old. He sliced open the envelope to reveal the old parchment inside. It read


Dear Luke,

I am sorry that we have never met. And even though I know nothing of you family line, I have heard nothing but praise from your skills. It would be my great honor if you could preform a task for me. You see my family has been shamed by another family. It has even ignited a war between us and the other three families.

I can not simply deal with this man. He is guarded well and is nearly as old as I am. You see, this man is the leader of the Sanquin. I do not expect you to do this without compensation of course. If you are able to preform the job, I will pay you three times the normal asking price, half up front.

If you are interested in this job please do not reply. It would benefit me most if I could meet you face to face before this incident happens. Enclosed is the address I will reside at. This letter is all you need to enter.

Sincerly,
Lord of the Valintine

At the bottom of the letter showed the official seal of the Valintine family. That alone proved its authenticity.

Luke was stunned at the blatant way the he stated his wanted. While he never said kill, it was quite obvious what he wanted. Luke placed the letter on his table. "What the hell did you do Joseph?" While Luke never truly cared for Joseph's style of control, he had always treated Luke with the up most respect. He deserved to have his side explained.

Luke flashed to the wall and pressed the intercom. "David?" He waited a moment. "Yes, sir? Is there something you need?" Luke chuckled again. "No. I just wanted to inform you that I will be leaving for a while. Something important has come up. Now remember to take your meds. The nurse will be her in the morning to do your blood work. If anything comes up, you know how to reach me." he waited a moment more. "The place will be clean as a whistle when you return sir."

Luke darted to his closet and changed clothing. He then grabbed his basic weaponry and headed for the door. This was going to get interesting.

[StormWolf]

Leon's eyes crawled over his beloved mate's form, drinking in every detail the dawning days light spilled onto her form. She was so precious to him, more precious than anything, more precious than his memories. She was worth killing for, worth dying for, worth going to Hell for. The Alpha's nose picked up the scent of Acacia's blood. He shrugged and logged it off as her being on her period. He had grown used to that smell. He stood and stretched, his back and joints cracking, resulting in a pleased groan from deep in Leon's throat.

Leon walked into the bathroom and splashed water on his face, waking himself up and calming him down. He sniffed his arms and winced, he reeked of dried blood. He didn't wipe off as much as he thought. Stripping down and tossing his clothes out of the bathroom, Leon stepped into the shower and let the warmth of the water soak him to the bones, feeling the cleansing property of water wash away the remnants of the nightmare that stilled shook his psyche like the aftershock of a massive earthquake. Leon took his time with the shower, watching the filth circle the drain as it dribbled off of his muscle-ridden form.

The warm water started to run out, feeling the temperature difference on his skin. Leon turned the knob and shut off the rain. Stepping out of the tub, he looked at himself in the mirror, fingering that prominent scar that traversed his face. It was pale with age, being his oldest, but even after almost ninety years, it never went away. He remembered that knife biting into his very skull. Leon frowned, looking at himself more, his eyes following the large collection of pale scars that striped his hide. He grumbled, scratching the thick stubble on his chin, looking down at the sink. He could still smell blood, then his eyes found a smear of red on the corner of the sink.

You fucking idiot! She is pregnant! She doesn't have a period now! Can't you do anything right?!! Leon ran back to where his wife was laying, carefully cradling her head, searching for a wound of some kind, finding only dried blood in her hair.

"Acacia? Acacia, darling?! Acacia, are you all right? Sweetheart?" he held her face in his hands, touching his brow to hers. Leon was failing to see sense. His love and care clouding his simple thought process. No one could have entered the room and done something, could they? No, she would have woken him up. Did she slip and fall? That was terribly unlike her. Did she do this on purpose? If so, why in the Hell would she? Why?!!

"Honey, you bled all over the sink and the bathroom. Are you okay?"

[Kirra]

Luke opened the door to his garage and tried to decide on what car to drive to meet with his old friend. He didn't want one of his limited additions to get hurt, but he had to drive something to show class. This was the leader of a vampire clan after all.

As Luke walked down the isles of cars a certain one caught his eye. "Oh that's right. He got me this one for me last year didn't he?" He eyed a top of the line Bugatti Veyron that had never been driven. The fact that it was the limited addition "Pur Sang" (Pure Blood) wasn't lost on Luke. Even with his honed eyes, it was hard to find a single imperfection. Luke got inside and pressed the start button ignition. He wasn't sure if that was standard, but he loved it.

While they hadn't seen each other in almost 100 years, Luke and Joseph sent each other a gift every year on the anniversary of the day the met. Luke normally sent things he had acquired on his travels. Joseph normally sent something expensive. Never quite the same as relics Luke found in the temples and tombs he traversed.

While driving to the Sanguine house, Luke remember the last visit he had with Joseph. He mainly remembered it bothering him. Luke had walked in on his dear friend torching a young female werewolf. While he didn't care about them personally, it bothered Luke to see any creature being tormented. Luke killed, but it was always quick and as painless as possible. Luke left a full week earlier than planed because of this. He told Joseph that he had a job.

Thanks to the power behind this car, Luke made it to the stronghold in record time. A few times he thought he had gone the wrong way, but thanks to the smell of a wolf that Luke remembered from last time, Luke was back on track in no time.

Luke parked his car at the entrance of the building, he wasn't sure where the normal parking place was, and walked to the door. As he reached for the handle he noticed it was locked. Luke shrugged and pulled out his key. It fit in and he walked inside shouting. "Joseph! Where are you?"

[Anne Bonny]

Despite the heavy curtains that covered the windows, a few rays of daylight slipped into Lilith's hotel room. The vampiress winced and rolled onto her back, rubbing her eyes slowly. It was early in the day still, but her sleep had been fitfull at best and interupted with dreams of dark gentlemen and darker deeds. Weariness nagged at her still, but her thoughts simply would not let her rest.

Bare feet gently eased onto cold carpet as Lilith pulled herself from the bed. She looked around the hotel room with a sigh. Reminders from the night before lay all around. Here was Rhett's letter, cast aside on the couch where Hector had been sitting. There was a pile of crystal fragments sparkling in the dim light, a memory of the vase she had hurled at the door in frustration when they lycan had left. And in the bathroom was a full tub gone cold from the bath Lilith had changed her mind about.

She moved towards the tub and reached into the fridged water to let out the plug. Last night she had thought that some hot water and fragrant bubbles would help her relax. But as she had stood naked at it's edge, Lilith could still feel the ghost of Stephen's fingers on her cheek, his arm around her waist, his lips pressed against hers. She had given in to the desire to leave the feeling of his touch on her body for just one night and abandoned the bath.

Enough procratinating, however. Lilith snatched a plush white robe from the bathroom and wrapped it around her bare skin. Today a decision was to be made, and she had a potentially life changing appointment that night. While her decision remained uncertain, the vampiress knew for a fact that she could not show up at dinner in the sweater and jeans she had worn the night before.

She picked up the phone and dialed the consierge. A young sounding girl answered the line, with a lovely voice that made Lilith's stomach growl. How long had it been since she had really eaten?

Lilith did her best to focus her thoughts. "I have a dinner appointment tonight, and I'll be needing something to wear."

"Of course, ma'am. I'll send one of the girls out right away. What should I have her look for?"

Good question. But if she knew anything about Rhett, Lilith was certain dinner would be at someplace exceptional. "A cocktail dress, perhaps," she said. "Something nice."

"Of course. And the charges?"

"Just bill them to the room," Lilith said, a smile twisting at her lips. "No limit."

"Very good ma'am." A pause, the sound of a keyboard tapping in the background. "Anything else I can do for you?"

Lilith hesitatied. "There is one thing," she said slowly. "Will you do me the favor of calling up to the room next to mine, it's on the same tab, in just a few hours? The gentleman staying there, a Mr. Roy, may be joining me at dinner, and he'll need a suit."

"Yes ma'am."

"Notch lapel, I think. And flat front pants, no pleats. And make it nice, would you? No navy blue, and nothing that will make him look like a waiter."

"Do you have a color preference for the shirt and tie?"

"Heavens no," Lilith snapped, taken aback. "I'm not going to decide how the man dresses. I'm not his mother."

"Of course ma'am. Is there anything else?"

Lilith responded that there was not and hung up the phone. She had absolutely no idea of what to expect that night, but it seemed she had all day to prepare. How unfortunate that the butterflies in here stomach were already beginning to make themselves known.

[Flex]

As each day passed, Dice felt herself detach more and more from the goings of the her clan. It was as if, ever since their ill-fated battle against the Leon Wulferschild-led Bravado clan, a wall had slowly been built between herself and Sanguine. Granted, she had never been a high-ranking member in the first place, but she had always been somewhat… communicable. Or, well, the others had been easy to communicate with, whenever communication was vital/necessary/important, etc.

Now it seemed like things had changed. She had been exiled into the confines of her room by the rest of the clan and things had, well, bled from there; first there were the hushed whispers, the elegant figures brushing past her room, the deathly glares she received from the higher-ups. It didn’t take her long to realise that something, something was going on. And she was right; spirited away from the residence in New York, Dice was summoned to accompany the elder--and several of his professionals--in the Manhattan stronghold.

“And that is how it’s done,” Dice told herself in satisfaction, snapping her laptop shut. Her computer was a constant work-in-progress--and she loved it that way. It was her own toy and, well, toying with it her was--by FAR--her favourite pastime… not to mention that it had been a completel novelty during the days of complete and utter seclusion she had been sentenced to ever since stepping inside the stronghold. There were times when she wondered if it was all a punishment--perhaps they were angry that she had been one of the few (well, one of the two ) to survive the complete and utter Sanguine massacre at the hands of Leon Wulferschild and his sultry, doe-eyed wife. Then again, rumour had it that Marissa had been tortured for what was speculated to be hours, at the hands of the elder. The thought scared Dice more than she would allow herself to be scared.

She had left most of her possessions back in New York, and as a result, her current residence was relatively sparce; a bed, a bathroom and two suitcases--one overflowing with her trademark kimonos... and her sword. She had to have a sword with her, at all times. The room itself was suffocating--with only four walls it reminded her somewhat of a prison cell. Stretching lazily, Dice got up from the bed and traipsed to the other end of the room, where she had situated a small mirror, surrounded by an assortment of pots, all full to the brim with makeup. She had begun studying her face--the powder upon her face, the dye upon her lips--when she heard the commotion.

“JOSEPH! Where are you?”

Immediately, Dice drew herself to her full height and in one fluid motion, rushed towards her bed, uncovering her sword beneath the silk of the sheets. The voice had been gruff; masculine--and it screamed ‘INTRUDER’. Dice had absolutely no idea how the intruder had found himself here (after all, it was called a ‘stronghold’ for a reason), but that was beside the point… at the moment, anyway. Her current objective: FIND the intruder and kill him. He was obviously here to kill the elder; something that the Sanguine clan wouldn’t be able to deal with, especially during such troubled times.

For a single second, Dice paused at the door, and analysed her current situation--opening the door would have her facing either one of the two following scenarios: A) an empty hallway or B) the mystery intruder. The last thing she wanted was to come face-to-face with the intruder straight away, however she had learnt from experience that she could never be too sure. Especially after Sanguine’s last square-off with Bravado, the LAST thing Dice needed was a member from another clan getting an advantage over her.

Adapting to what she knew as the most effective defensive stance possible, Dice swung open the door of her room and launched herself into the hallway outside. The hallway was empty. Yes. Dice flattened herself against the wall, her vampire senses in immediate action--however … nothing. The traces of sound from the intruder’s last burst of speech had dissolved and she couldn’t sense… anything. Nothing. Nothing.

Frustrated, Dice pulled herself from the wall and scampered to one end of the hallway. The layout of the Manhattan stronghold was completely alien to her. However, from a first glance, it seemed fairly simple; similar to that of the New York residence, anyway. She cocked her head to a side and--BAM! He was nearby; there had been a sudden displacement in air particles. Senses tingling, she restrained herself from reeling backwards, but rather crept closer towards the intruder; its presence becoming almost deafeningly powerful as she made her final step--and then, without a moment’s thought, she launched herself into the open, hopefully towards the intruder, sword raised, her rainbow kimono flying behind her.

[Kirra]

As Luke made his way into the building, he noticed that it seemed deathly quite. And the fact that it bother a dead man, was never a good thing. The last time he had visited, Luke was greeted with open arms and a few women that Joseph had lined up for him. Some for food, some for pleasure. He couldn't help but thinking he should have called first.

It was only a moment before he heard rustling down the hall. Foot steps, a sheet moving, a door creaked, and then silence. Well almost. Only a creature of his age and training could have noticed the slight noise of someone pressing against the wall. 'I really should have called first.' Luke immediately concealed his presence. Even Joseph was unable to detect him when he did this. It was something that Luke had mastered over his many years.

As he continued forward Luke heard slight steps again. This time they where more cautious and resilient to move. Who ever it was, they weren't sure about them self. The steps stopped at the end of a long hallway. Luke smiled and walked toward it. He could hear an almost silent nervous breath pull into the creature. 'I should throw the kid a bone.' Luke took his next step slightly louder this time. No human would have been able to hear it, but a vampire should. He also let a short breath escape.

A Luke took his next step he noticed the one hiding moved too. 'Bold move.' A smirk came to his face. The young vampire launched it's self at Luke. In a single fluid movement Luke grabbed the blade from it's hand throwing it into the wall and used his other hand to grab the child by the throat. Luke, still looking forward, decided it would be best to simply ask where his old friend was.

"Look child, I don't know who you think you are dealing with. But from that attack I can bet you haven't even reached the hundred year mark yet. Be careful you decide to attack. It might get you killed someday." Luke couldn't help but notice the sweet scent of the child's skin as he took a breath in. Even the softness of it's flesh was bothering him a bit.

"Look kid, I'm an old friend of Joseph. Tell me where his is, or..." Luke placed his free hand on the child's chest and slightly extended the hidden blade. But when he felt a small round lump in his hand he froze. 'What the...' Luke turned to the small gentle looking creature and almost released her at the sight. Luke quickly pulled his hand back and sat the girl on the ground.

Luke always had a week spot for cute girls. And more than once it had cost him. Some women where a lot crazier than they first appear. But for a vampire who was old enough to have met Da Vinci and Galileo, there wasn't many things he feared.

"Hey look, I'm sorry if I scared you kid. I've just been around a long time. It's kind of a reflex. Is your neck ok?" Luke leaned down slightly and sat his hand on the girl's shoulder. "Um. So do you work for Joseph little one?"

[Auki]

Acacia’s eyelids fluttered open, squinting in the light that spilled through the open window. A small moan and she turned over, her arm casting a shadow over her face. She didn’t want to get up just yet; the cocoon of warmth she was enclosed in tempting her to never move from beneath the covers. Her head sunk deeper into the pillow, her hand brushing the fringe from her face, and she started at the feel of dried blood in her hair, the scent of it itching at her nostrils. Upon remembering last night’s events, her head felt sore, the dull aching filling her with a sense of guilty pleasure. She had survived one more night; that was enough for her to be proud of. Most importantly, Leon didn’t know.

She stretched slowly, arching her back, surprised to find her mate wasn’t beside her. She murmured his name before she registered the noise of the shower coming behind the closed bathroom door. She thought of joining him in the shower but, as lazy as it sounded, she was far too reluctant to leave the warmth of the duvet so soon after waking. She would treat him later, if ever she found the time. They had so little of that after all.

Wrapping her arms around herself, she sighed, running her hands along her curves softly. When they reached her stomach, she hesitated. She had been distressed last night; she couldn’t seriously consider giving up her child based purely on jealousy. It was a blessing; her mother would always tell her that babies were God’s gift to couples truly in love. Life had shown her the ignorance of the statement but it still continued to make her smile. She giggled, hugging her stomach – She couldn’t wait to find out more about them, especially their genders. She wanted at least one boy; a beautiful baby boy.

She didn’t even notice the shower had stopped. The bed began to tremble as her mate ran towards her, the mattress dipping under his weight as he leapt to her side. She froze, eyes still closed, her nose filled with the scent of his fear. What the...?

“Acacia? Acacia, darling?! Acacia, are you all right? Sweetheart? Honey, you bled all over the sink and the bathroom. Are you okay?"

She murmured something incomprehensible, opening her eyes to find his face right before hers. Irritably, she pushed him away, sitting up and scrubbing her eyes. “Leon, it’s early – Just…don’t worry yourself about it.” Glancing at his face, she knew he definitely was worrying himself about it and she doubted he would leave the topic. Guilt twisted her stomach as she fingered the matted blood on the right of her head, scraping her fingers through her hair in an attempt to untangle it. She didn’t like it when he pulled that face; he didn’t need to worry. She hadn’t done anything wrong.

“I…” She murmured, avoiding eye contact, her words soft and hesitant, “I could hear you mumbling was all. I didn’t like it…”

“…You talk in your sleep…about her…I think. I thought the baby…I thought the baby might distract you.”

“But it didn’t…so I tried to block out what you were saying…and the only way to do that was…doing this.”

She shrugged, her eyes tracing the pattern of the duvet. When she said it now, it sounded so stupid. The logic that had applied last night seeming deranged in the light of the morning.

“ I feel so alone when you sleep…like I don’t have a husband anymore. My mind tells me things…stupid things. It tells me how…how you’re using me in your plot for revenge…how you only think you love me…how you would be content with anyone as your mate as long as Joseph didn’t get them…”

Her voice got quieter as she spoke; she was terrified of what she was saying. Her nails dug into her arms, threatening to pierce the skin – Her whole body trembled and still she refused to look at him.

“I can’t even convince myself I’m just being stupid anymore…when I ignore those thoughts, I feel like I’m just hiding the truth from myself.”

She squeezed her eyes shut, tears sliding down her cheeks silently, her body frozen in the horror of her words. Some things were meant to go unspoken in a relationship. That’s what she had learnt. Don’t anger the guy. Never anger the guy. Never…never…never…

“Don’t hate me.”

She wrapped her arms closer, blood dripping from the punctures in her skin, the claws that now tipped her fingers grasping her arms tighter. She knew she was shivering but couldn’t stop herself.

“Don’t hurt me.”

[StormWolf]

Sick, cold, loveless laughter filled Leon's head. The laugh of the Tormentor as he used Acacia's words to constrict his heart, threatening to crush it into a fine powder and scatter it to the four winds. The Alpha's face was blank for a moment, an aloof slate of stone before his hurt started to bleed through the cracks. Starting with his eyes, then his trembling lip.

"No. No. No.No.No! This is all wrong!" Leon said quietly as he wrenched his wife's claws from her arms and held them in his hands. He kissed those soft hands, licking off the blood. He had to be strong. He had to be indominable, but if this is how Acacia really felt, how could he? Without her, he is nothing more than an animal.

"A-Acacia? H-How could you? Why? What have I done wrong to deserve this?" he felt like crushing something, but Acacia's hands were in his, so he had to beat that desire to the back of his psyche.

"How could you even think like that?! Use you for my revenge? What do you think I am?!" Leon's face twisted slightly in a remourseful rage. Tears that burned like fire filled his eyes, but he forced the back.

"That fact that you are begging me not to hurt you or hate me makes me hate myself. Why are you so afraid of me? Why?!" Leon's legs failed him, and he slumped back, his body trembling.

"I seek this revenge because I have been lusting for it for so long, I don't know how to give it up. I don't think I can. Now with you carrying our child, I feel that I have to exact this revenge to keep you and the baby safe. I wouldn't be able to bear losing you." Leon took a breath, a very shakey one, and rubbed his eyes.

"I loved Nina dearly. She was my first for everything, and you never forget that. But you, Acacia, the love I feel for you.... It consumes me. But these memories... They haunt me every time I go to sleep. Unless I hold you in my arms, I have to relive those horrors every night as a slave of my mind. I don't call her name in lust. I call it in horror as I am forced to watch her as her child is cut from her belly, as she is assaulted and beaten by Sanguine soldiers." Leon unconciously touched the scar on his face, where the same blade that killed his offspring had left its eternal brand.

"The things that I saw, I suffered through, and I did.... They are things not easily remembered." Leon timidly reached for Acacia, his eyes and posture giving her a choice. Stay with Leon or leave him. Either way, Acacia would be safe, but for Leon, he was placing his wreched life in her hands.

"Please Acacia. I can't live without you. Please... You are the only thing in this world that I love with all that I am. You are the light of my life. You are my partner, my wife, my balance. You are my anchor. Please Acacia, don't hate me. Don't hurt me. I could never think of doing so to you."

There Leon sat, on the brink. He hoped and prayed that God would not take her away. He wanted to see his children, watch them grow and teach them. He wanted to protect them, to stand with Acacia forever by his side.

"Please... Don't do this to me..."

[Mysteria]

Curled up in the luxurious chair and after having sent the text out to make sure that her friend could find her upon her having received the text if she was needed the next thing Marissa did was to pick up her newly acquired Dell Laptop and finding the web site for the Washington International Airport she secured a plane ticket for an early morning departure to Aspen Pitkin Airport in Aspen, Colorado under the name of Melisandra Vixen. Melisandra Vixen. The name rolled through her mind as she said it out loud into the empty room. She actually liked the name and Stephen had chosen wisely. She saw no reason to change it as it suited well enough.


After securing her means of transportation to Aspen she then continued her internet search for suitable accommodations for her much needed getaway. Though it saddened her that she would be going to Aspen without Iris it served her purposes at the moment in more ways than one and she could only hope that soon enough she might be reacquainted with her old friend as she awaited further directive from the council. Maybe they’d even find time to take those long horseback rides in the fresh clean Aspen air. Marissa had never been one for skiing, but she did love horseback riding in the snow and knew Iris to be fond of horseback riding herself.


Having searched several possibilities Marissa decided upon one of the most lush and extravagant chalets that Aspen had to offer; the Val d’Isère Chalet. (http://h1.ripway.com/Mysteria/chalet_davos_exterior_night_365_242r.jpg) nestled within the beautiful hills of Aspen. The chalet of her choice was luxurious and offered a grandiose size living room (http://h1.ripway.com/Mysteria/arosa_living_05.1.jpg) with fine leather furnishings, an elegant master bedroom (http://h1.ripway.com/Mysteria/davos_bed_01.jpg) and last but not least was the rather large and luscious hot tub (http://h1.ripway.com/Mysteria/davos_hottub.jpg) with an unbeatable view. She looked at the price at first deliberating whether or not it would be to expensive to put on Conzetta’s tab and then remembering the elaborate furnishings and Stephens penchants for admirable surroundings and the finer things in life and that he had told her to enjoy herself she proceeded to find out if the chalet was available. Much to her delight it was and she reserved the room and hung up the phone feeling a deep sense of satisfaction. If she had went overboard in her spending she was sure the council would take haste in informing her that her actions were not acceptable.


Marissa turned in for the night and upon waking very early in the morning dressed in one of her newly acquired silk suits relishing the feel of it upon her skin. Although she still loved her leather there was nothing quite like the sensuous feeling of silk against ones skin to make one feel comfortable. She exited the hotel after having taken care of her bill using the credit card Stephen had provided for Melisandra and having made her way to the airport via taxi she watched as D.C. faded away behind her.


A plane ride and a few hours later Marissa was checked into her new ‘home’ in Aspen Colorado and had hung her wardrobe and put all of her items away and made herself comfortable in the cozy living with the view that was nothing less than perfect. She finally had time to think. As she watched the snow falling outside Marissa’s mind drifted back to her past once again. So much time had passed in her years spent walking this earth. She had seen so much beauty, had loved deeply and had been given the gift of Sebastians own love, had endured more than her share of misery on several levels and had witnessed transgressions against mankind and her own kind alike.


Marissa couldn’t help but to reflect on her own beatings and the suffering she had endured at Josephs hands. She had survived but all the same it was a memory she would now chose to bury as she tried to move into her future. Time was a powerful healer. Her thoughts turned to Leon Wulfschild. She had seen him tortured at Josephs hand, had seen his mates child ripped from her and had watched her endure atrocities no female of any nature should have had to endure. She had been forced to heal the girl back to health only to see her impregnated with the intent to never allow the child within her to have life. She had seen the young lycan die by Leon’s own act of mercy to the one he had loved so very much and had seen Leon become crazed because of his actions. Marissa could only imagine the torment and anguish Leon felt having known how tortured she herself felt having had to watch her own son and mate die.


Upon having run into Leon years later while on an unrelated mission she had recognized him. He was no longer the youth she had helped to escape. He had become a man and as they reminisced they had found solace from their sorrows in one anothers arms for that one fleeting night. Perhaps they had both been wrong to give into the temptation that night but neither of them had mates at the time and besides that fact Marissa had never been the type to regret her actions. They had parted as friends and although she doubted highly that Leon even remembered the event any more she realized that he had not recognized her at the lumber yard when she had went on Josephs mission not to kill Leon, but with the intent to warn him. Marissa sighed deeply, expelling her past from her thoughts and embracing fully the idea that she had been given the gift of another chance at a totally different life.


Arising from the comfort of her cozy spot she made her way into the kitchen to fix herself something to eat with the few provisions she had stopped to purchase before making her way to the chalet. After a quick meal Marissa went into her bedroom and having undressed wrapped an oversized robe around her and secured it at the waist before moving back into the kitchen and pouring herself a glass of Merlot then entered the spacious room where the hot tub awaited. Setting the wine down at the edge of the elaborate tub Marissa lit some lightly scented spiced rose and vanilla scented candles and disrobing stepped into the warm relaxing waters. Sinking down deep into them she allowed them to wash the past few days and her past away as she stared out into the moonlit evening through the beautiful windows that surrounded the room and gave the perfect view into the peaceful serenity of a night that was quickly slipping into the wee hours of a new day and hopefully a brighter future.

[Auki]

The crisp air nipped at her naked form as Acacia watched silently, her mate licking the blood from her hands. He looked to be in pain; she couldn’t work out why. How had her words hurt him? She struggled to see how anything could even dent a man like Leon and yet his eyes were wet, his hands gripping hers far more strongly than he should. They had been together for so long now but even so…every time she saw him upset, it shocked her. Listening to his words, she hesitated.
Just yesterday they had been perfect – happy together – and now, things seemed so uncertain. He looked at her like he might never see her again.

Just be quiet, Acacia. Leave it be, she told herself,
Leave it be and pretend you’re okay.
Pretend you’re okay and he’ll stay.
He’ll stay…He always stays.

I don’t want to leave but what?
Lie to his face and tell him I don’t mind,
That I don’t care. Is that what’s best?

Tears still continued to roll down her face and she detested the wet streaks they left down her cheeks. She must look a mess; not that it mattered at a time like this. She did not move towards him, nor did she move away.

“Sweetheart, you’re not listening to me. There are so many other women that could be your ‘anchor’. There are likely hundreds of women who would not hesitate to be your lover and most of them would likely stay by you long enough to marry you… I just…I just happened to catch you first was all.”

Her bitter laugh was interjected with quiet sobs; it was painful to say such thoughts aloud. It made them seem all the more true. She reached out a hand and placed it in his but shifted no closer to where he sat.

“You’ve always told me things like I’m beautiful,” – the comment was accompanied by a cynical rolling of the eyes – “ you say that you need me there, that I’m what keeps you going. You tell me how you love my body and I know I know how to please you in bed and yet…

There are many women out there with such qualities and…a lot of them would be less…’paranoid’…than me about this whole situation – Nina being just one. If she was still alive, she’d win over me and we both know it.”

She rubbed at her cheeks and gave a short laugh, “I barely even know what I’m trying to say. I’m not leaving you, Leon. At least, I don’t think I am but…you could find a woman with all the same things you love about me and none of the traits that cause you grief.

You’ve committed yourself to me and yet the things I do seem to just upset you, don’t they?”

Her amber eyes were fixed on their hands and she squeezed his tighter, thankful that she had finally subdued her tears.

“Why do you put up with me? Why specifically me?”

[Shin.Aether]

There was something purely erotic about sleeping with a student. It was a purely deviant experience, to turn his student into an object of affection. Though for years he had yielded away from those emotions. Giving into them was so dirty that it gave him new meaning to the term 'teachers pet'.

Laying at Iris's side, his arms brazenly cupping the tender and delicate breast of her taught skin. He moved over and brushed his fangs against her flesh, running a slow swipe of his tongue against the pierced flesh. They had been in the cabin for the night. As they climbed up the mountain in the mercedez. She had finnally recieed a message from Marissa, while Sol had been busy writting a letter to an old confidant. He'd addressed the letter to an estate in Beverly Hills. A nice place to be he'd been told for a while.

It was of course stamped and sealed with the signet of the house of Sanguine. The difference being, is that is was in the time fashioned Retainer signet. Knowing this was a letter or priority and important above all others. The night had been one glass of bloodwine after another. The real frenzy came when Sol offered Iris his own blood and knowledge.

Now that his blood and her blood mingled, there was no reason not to consider her as an equal. But loving her seemed all the easier after this. It rid him of that incessant boredom that had plagued him for the past centuries.
Turning her over as his shirtless chest moved over her body. His angle seemed familiar and concealing from prying eyes. That the flesh beneath him were for his eyes only. The satin sheets were in a state of dissarray. His grey blue eyes took her in as a calm sense of relief overcame him.

His mouth arched in such a way that her mouth would find solace inside. As their tongues danced with wild abadon, every bit of flesh was hungry for more. But the most symbolic gesture of his hands burrying hers into the matress, in a way abdicated her for willing rapture. While his hands were quite familiar with every portion of her body; and those things that made her weak.

"I knew when I caught you in the showers your legs were weak. Just the way they were, when you fucked me after we exchanged my blood."

A grin came to his face as he was more then pleased to have bed her. In his mind, Iris's spirit was an aphrodesiac, one he narrowly had under control. Even though they had a duty, letting the oppurtunity to bed another. Was alway a prime choice. When a vampire never knew when he might again.

[StormWolf]

Sadness faded, leaving rage. Why? Why him? Acacia was so troubled, her words true and from the heart. The Alpha stood, his muscles shaking. The Tormentor's laugh grating against his mind.

"Why? Why you?!! Because I don't WANT ANYONE ELSE!!! CAN'T YOU SEE THAT??!!" Leon raised his voice for the first time he could remember when talking to Acacia. "I love you... Because. I love you because I just do! More than anything! MORE THAN MY OWN LIFE!!!" His hands rested on her soft shoulders. He just looked her in the eyes, wanting to give her the biggest kiss of her life.

"When I go out on my own, women try to woo me, yes. I never say more to them than 'go away.' I swore an oath of marriage to you, and I will hold it forever. Why do you have these doubts? Why are you envious of a past that cannot be changed? I love you now. I will love you tomarrow, and I will love you long after we are returned to the earth. No force under the eye of God can make me say otherwise." he sighed, taking several deep breaths.

"I want you to be happy. The fact that I have failed so badly the past few weeks saddens me. Tell me what I can do better. How can I make you happy? I want us to be happy. Help me forget my past. Please. Help me forget Nina and the past. I want to focus on the future, a future with you." Leon closed the gap between them, feeling like he was trying to leap across the Grand Canyon.

Leon pressed his lips against Acacia's. So far, his words only seemed to drive them apart, this was the only thing he had left. Leon closed his eyes tightly shut as he kissed his wife. Thick arms wrappng around her soft and supple curves, holding her close to his warm chest, his heart beating as if it was trying to bust out of his ribcage and go to the person it belonged to. Acacia.

Leon broke the kiss for a moment, pressing his brow to hers. "Acacia, I don't know how else to convince you. How to prove to you that I love you, and only you."

[Auki]

She flinched as he shouted at her, momentarily terrified that she had truly gone a step too far. Damn it, Acacia, you should listen to yourself. You should have just left it be. Yet, it felt like a huge pressure had been relieved from her chest – Those secret thoughts that had boiled beneath the surface for so long finally out in the open. She wanted an answer from him. She desperately wanted him to say the right thing - She loved him. She loved him so much.

“…CAN'T YOU SEE THAT??!!"

Her trembling did not cease, her anxiety rising. She didn’t even know what he could say to make her feel better.

"I love you... Because.”

With those words, she stopped listening. Her breathing quickened momentarily and then, slowly, began to regulate itself. She didn’t hear what he said but she saw how he said them – The pure passion in his expression as she met his eyes. She watched, calmly, as he tried to explain his love for her. Did it really matter what he said? When she listened, she found flaws in his wording, questioned his every sentence. Now that she just watched him, she realised she could see how much he cared for her. No man had ever got this distressed over her, had ever fought this hard for her – Why was she so willing to throw it away?

“…I want to focus on the future, a future with you."

She allowed herself a small smile, gasping when Leon moved forward. His kiss relayed all the passion she had just witnessed. She relaxed into his arms – those strong, powerful arms – feeling free of burden, free of worry.

"Acacia, I don't know how else to convince you. How to prove to you that I love you, and only you."

She laughed, a genuine laugh, void of bitterness, and kissed him again, “You just proved it.” She felt stupid; how such a simple thing had elevated her mood so much. She wasn’t surprised when he gave her a puzzled look, “No, seriously Leon, you just have.” She pushed herself against him, enjoying the warmth he radiating, her nose nuzzling against his.

“Do you remember a few weeks after our engagement, all that time ago when we used to laugh over nothing? I sang you my favourite song because I felt it described how I loved you.”

Damn it, she felt like an idiot – Same as usual.

“I love you because you’re not the person I dreamed of at all…”
She sang softly, blushing as she did so.
“…I love you because you make me feel like a fool…
You don't do what’s expected,
You're handed a rule and it’s simply rejected…”
Her smile grew as her fingers twisted through his hair,
“…And it's easy to say "I love you anyway" but I don't…

…I love you because.”

She gave a bashful grin before sighing, “I can be such a bitch sometimes. I’m so sorry, Leon – I’ve just been trying to deal with this on my own for so long. It just kind of…escalated.

…I needed someone to remind me how special what we have is…and well, you just did that.”

Her fingers ran down his chest and down, pausing just below his belly button. She shrugged casually, a small smile still playing on her lips, “Just forget everything I said, I was being stupid. What matter is how good we are now, right? I just need to be reminded of that every so often I guess…”

[Heirosyth]

"Yes," Lucius replied, speaking to the bluetooth headset while being sized for the suit he was having custom tailored for the evening--a sleek classic black Italian Valenti number made of merino wool, form-fitted to fit perfectly on the Conzetta Lord's 6'0" frame. "Reserve a table for four at the Fourth Estate at the National Press Club. Yes, send word to Lilith and Hector at the Park Hyatt that their reservations are at 7 pm, sharp," the Elder finished hitting the button to end the call.

Before he even put the Blackberry away, his headset informed him of another incoming call. "Yes?" he growled with irritation, raising his arms, turning, watching the tailor quickly and professionally take his measurements, pin and mark places in the suit.

"Lleyton Tallis has returned? And Ray Drane as well? And they're where?! Christ," the Elder spat, gritting his teeth together. "No, I'll take care of it; I'll handle it personally."

At 5 o'clock, Lucius Lazario stepped out of a black car-service Cadillac, his golden locks replaced by darker cherry wood brown, tied back neatly, but much straighter than before. He was wearing a fitted Italian black sports jacket with a white collared shirt underneath, opened up down to the second button, complete with a set of classic black dress pants. He walked with his legendary cane with the silver effigy of Dante's Geryon on top in his left hand, dark sunglasses resting upon his nose, and his right hand comfortably sheathed in his pants pocket.

There, passed out on the steps of the legendary hotel that he had just spent the night at with Conzetta's newest member, was Ray Drane, burbling out some pathetic rendition of Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody. Someone should've told him that the Bohemian revolution ended centuries ago in France, and that he was just a little late to the party.

The Elder Lord, the Thirteenth Member of the Council of Twelve of Clan Conzetta, the shadowy mind behind the vast, far-reaching tentacles and schemes of the most mysterious and well-connected clan of the Five, calmly and professionally approached the intoxicated member of a Clan Lucius had personally spent the better part of five centuries building up from nothing. And now this disgrace, who smelled little better than a homeless vagrant who had pissed himself repeatedly between droughts of alcoholic consumption lay slumped over before him. Leaning down upon the cane, and peering curiously into the glazed over eyes of the filthy, degenerate beast before him, Lucius smiled a briefly; the kind of crisp, polished smile that you get from a psychopath before he's about to kill you.

"Ray! Long time, Ray!" Lucius greeted him with hollow enthusiasm.

"Wha--? Who the fuck...?" came the words on the reek of booze, washing over the Vampire Elder's face.

"Don't you recognize me, Ray?" Lucius replied with that same icy smile. "Oh, of course you don't. I've gone and changed my appearance so many times since then, I couldn't possibly expect you to recognize me, now could I, Ray?"

"Who are you?" he managed, his sloppy fat lips getting in the way of his speech.

"Who am I? Why Ray, I'm nobody, Ray. I'm nobody at all. And when they find you, you can tell them, nobody did this to you."

"Wha-? Did... who did what?" the drunk lycan blurted out, his mind vaguely sensing something was terribly wrong.

"Nobody," Lucius repeated, with a glimmering flash of his fangs, a swift brandishing swivel of a deadly glinting blade in fiery rays of the setting sun, and the ugly plunging gurgling noise that usually follows a punctured throat. When the Vampire Lord stood up to his full height, the silver switch blade was planted firmly in the neck of Ray Drane, as he fumbled and grasped for it, tugging it and yanking it free, only to spill his warm alcohol saturated blood onto the polished steps of the hotel. The switchblade landed harmlessly beside the puddle of blood that crept towards it now, slowly oozing like Ray's life out onto the cold steps.

The drunk lycan gasped and sputtered, trying to keep the blood from gushing from his neck, but to no avail--it sprayed between his fingers as he applied pressure, and it was then that Lucius pulled out a clean handkerchief and reached down to firmly pull Ray's hand away, shushing him as he did so. "Hush, Ray. Pressing the blood doesn't help. Here, take your hand away, and just relax. Feel the warmth leave you. So cold. So sleepy. Don't you feel sleepy Ray? Don't you just want to rest? Of course you do. Just rest here a while, Ray. Someone will be around for you in a bit, don't you worry." Lucius next picked up his switchblade and wiped it clean with the handkerchief, making sure every drop of blood was clean from the blade. With a dismissive gesture, he threw the handkerchief on Ray's face, the white of its shrouding embrace being the last thing the former member of Conzetta would ever see.

"That takes care of one little piggy. Now I wonder if Lleyton is inside..." Lucius calmly said, stepping forward and ascending the steps, careful to avoid the growing pool of dark crimson in the dying light of the setting sun.

When he got inside, he saw the very same young man as he was searching for, conveniently placed inside the lobby of this very refined and prestigious hotel, looking as out of place as Lucius expected, making small talk with the receptionist, who shifted her eyes noticeably, obviously tired of his presence. Her eyes stopped moving when they lighted upon the pale blue orbs belonging to the smartly dressed fellow that now fell upon her and her acquaintance.

"Can I help you, sir?"

"I'm just here to meet a friend; in fact, the young gentleman that you seem to be having a pleasant conversation with," Lucius replied in that same soulless, formal tone that was so devoid of care or feeling that it was enough to chill one to the bone. He continued his graceful stride, approaching Lleyton Tallis, and greeted him in much the same way as he had greeted Ray.

"Lleyton! How long has it been? Some months? Seems like years honestly," he said, introducing himself to the lycan who turned to face his master.

"This must be your 'friend' you were talking about," chimed in the receptionist.

"Indeed, ma'am. I'm sorry if he's been any trouble. You can put that vase on my tab--Escalus, Stephen, you remember me," Lucius said with a sudden winning smile.

"Oh my gosh, yes, it is you, Mr. Escalus. I'm sorry. Your hair color threw me off. Oh you don't need to cover the damage, sir," the receptionist piped back.

"No, I insist," Lucius replied, staring down Lleyton with eyes as icy as the arctic winters, before warmly turning them on the girl again. "Please."

"Well, okay, if you insist, Mr. Escalus. Thank you."

"It's no problem, chere. I apologize on behalf of my 'friend' here. Come, Lleyton, come with me. We have to talk," Lucius replied, glaring at the lycan once more as he slid his right hand around Lleyton's back, smoothly moving it up until his fingers rested gently on the back of the were's neck. "You realize, Lleyton, that a price must be paid when one of our members fails to live up to our expectations..." The Elder of Conzetta's fingers were frigid and firm against Lleyton's warm throat as he directed him towards the exit of the lobby.

"Lucky for you, your friend volunteered to pay that price on your behalf."

There, before Lleyton, was the pale, disgraced and bloody corpse of Ray Drane, slumped over in death, already cooling in the brisk evening air. The stark, silent shadowy image in dusk said volumes without saying anything at all.

And that was when the fingers around Lleyton's throat clenched so viciously that he thought they were going to punch right through his skin. In an instant, the glowing eyes of Lucius were right in front of the werewolf's, and the Vampire Elder's teeth glimmered like flashing daggers as he spoke: "Don't you ever fuck with me again. You have a flight to catch to Denver. I expect to see you on it. Your mark is a Lycan pack, led by Leon Wulfschild. I don't care how you infiltrate it, but you're going to sign up. And if you even think of going AWOL again?" The grip suddenly tightened mercilessly, "I will personally make certain that your death makes his look pleasurable."

With that, the Vampire Lord released the drunk werewolf with a sneer and disgusted look and turned, marching back down the steps into the car service Cadillac waiting for him. Slamming the door shut, he signaled the driver to step on the gas, leaving Lleyton standing on the steps of the hotel beside the corpse of his dead friend.

When he finally arrived at Fourth Estate at the National Press Club, a few strands of his hair which had fallen loose from his pony-tail hung down around his eyes on both sides of his face, and he never had time to pick up the suit he had fitted for him this afternoon. Taking his seat, he rested his cane against his chair, and took a moment to relax. When Lilith and Hector arrived, the scene at the table was one of a Vampire Lord with dark brown hair, slightly messy, with an open white collared shirt, down to the second button, sitting before a glass of red wine (Pinot Noir), with his hand over his eyes. When he saw the lady in all of her evening beauty approach, Lucius was stunned out of his inward thoughts, and stood up out of politeness, greeting her as he brushed the strands of hair out of his eyes. Extending his hand to hers, he lowered his soft lips to kiss her offered hand once more, indulging for one scarce moment in the smoothness and inviting scent upon her skin.

"My Lady Lilith, a pleasure to meet you once more, and your friend, Mr. Roy. Forgive me my appearance, ma chere--this day has turned out hardly as I expected." Pale blue eyes gazed up into her own.

[StormWolf]

Leon couldn't help himself. He just wrapped his arms around his dearly beloved, kissing her again, nuzzling noses with her, smiling in such a way he could have sworn he forgot how.

Leon just rocked to and fro with Acacia gently as she sang that silly song. Was it so silly? It rang true for them in so many ways. Leon hummed happily in his chest as he felt his mate's fingers travel down his muscular chest, resting just below his belly button, fiddling with his happy trail.

"Acacia.... my darling, dearest, precious Acacia... You never have to bear your burdens alone. Not so long as I remain here by your side, and that will be forever." Leons hands stroked Acacia's hair and her back, he just closed his eyes and enjoyed this moment of peaceful bliss, her naked warmth against his. Acacia's breasts pressed against Leon's firm chest, the heat between them so genuine and pure, but it still paled in comparison to the fire of passion and pure adoration they shared.

"If you need a constant reminder of how special our union is, just look here." Leon rested a hand on her stomach, nuzzling her again. "Speaking of which, we should get dressed. There is a Bravado physician not far from here, and I don't know about you, but I want to know what kind of trouble I have gotten us in." he chuckled and kisses her again. If the child took after him at all, it would be stubborn and inquisitive, but it would have Acacia's usual level-headedness to level it out. She was usually the more stable on of the group when she was not running rampant with pregnancy hormones.

"C'mon, let's get dressed. I'll rip those clothes off of you tonight, anyways." he grinned, flashing his canine teeth and laughing with a hint of mischief in his tone. He spanked Acacia on her superbly formed buttocks, only grinning wider at the loud crack it made. God, how he loved every part of her.

***

Dressed and ready to go, Leon lead Acacia out to his bike. He told her that he wanted to ride with her for a change, like they did when they first met.

Leon grinned as he thought back to when they were courting one another. He had picked her up on his bike and proceeded to drive her around, just letting the wind whip at their bodies and the scents fill their nostrils. Leon fondly remembered Acacia's hands vanishing behind the hem of his pants and began to massage and caress what made Leon a man. For the first time in his life, Leon almost crashed his bike because he was not able to concentrate on the road. Good times.

Now, the two Alphas rode together on Leon's chopper, his hands on the handlebars and her arms around Leon's waist. The drive was short, but Leon could just have been content with riding around with his wife so close to him. Still, he made a promise last night and he had to keep it.

Driving up and taking a spot at the clinic, Leon stepped off of his bike, helping Acacia off as well. He lead her inside, his hand in hers, and walked up to the front desk.

"May I help you?" The doctor asked, an elderly looking man. Grey-blue eyes sat behind rectangular spectacles, only adding to the genius doctor look he had going for him with the thinning gray hair atop his head. Leon held up his hand, willing his nails into claws.

"It's amazing what bravado the new dog breeds have these days." Leon said plainly. The doctor smiled at the claw-tipped hand, nodding. "Come on back if you will." The doctor lead the two of them into the back room, his eyes now gold. Once they were in the room, the doctor smiled a wise, fatherly smile.

"So, the young lady here has little ones on the way, does she? Well, how can ol' Doc Robert help?" she doctor took a seat with a straight back, looking at the expecting mother with a kind smile, awaiting reply.

[Auki]

Acacia let out a small, disappointed moan, pressing herself closer to her husband. He was right; it was time for them to get going but still… She nuzzled her face against his neck, kissing down to his collarbone. She was in the mood; he wasn’t just going to pass up the chance, was he?

"C'mon, let's get dressed. I'll rip those clothes off of you tonight, anyways."

Satisfied with the proposition, she grinned excitedly, kissing him lovingly on the lips before standing up, stretching as she did so, “As long as that’s a promis-” Her sentence was cut off short as she gasped, Leon’s hand contacting her ass with a crack. She promptly moved out of his reach, looking over her shoulder at her mate, the grin wide on his face, “Now, that’s just teasing.”

She was tempted to run back to him and mount him then but restrained herself – There were more ‘important’ things to do. So instead, she busied herself by getting dressed as he’d suggested, preparing herself for the visit to this physician. Tired as she was, she dressed casually; a long top (http://media.warehouse.co.uk/pws/images/catalogue/products/4533049570/xlarge/4533049570.jpg), black jeans (http://media.warehouse.co.uk/pws/images/catalogue/products/5013018377/xlarge/5013018377.jpg) and her favourite jacket (http://media.warehouse.co.uk/pws/images/catalogue/products/5042995577/xlarge/5042995577.jpg) providing the comfort she desired. She was far happier now and was grateful to Leon for helping calm her down. She didn’t feel as though she’d been irrational, although perhaps a little over-emotional. Just a side-effect of pregnancy I hope… She hadn’t been like this before after all.

---

Acacia smiled warmly as she swung her leg over the back of her mate’s chopper - He helped her get on even though there was no need. It was strange to think that before she’d met him, she had never had any experience with motorbikes. Now, it seemed like her only method of transport. Still, she far preferred riding with him than on her own bike. Her arms wrapped around his waist, her hands stroking across his shirt. She was reminded of the times when he would take her out, no plan or direction; they just went wherever the road took them. Often they would end up in a hotel, miles from where they started. Hot, passionate nights… Her heartbeat quickened at the memories. Back in a time when they had far less responsibility.

She was not sad that they had grown up; she didn’t feel any older. Her love for Leon had been rekindled countless times over the years over a dozen moments like the one that morning. It was something she never wanted to lose.

---

When she saw the clinic, a pang of fear hit her; it seemed intimidating, all those unanswered questions in her head resurfacing. Still, she dismounted the bike and allowed her husband to lead her in – The warmth of his hand giving her the courage to enter the building without hesitation. When Leon introduced them and the physician looked her over, she allowed herself a nervous smile. He returned it warmly, settling her nerves.

"So, the young lady here has little ones on the way, does she? Well, how can ol' Doc Robert help?"

“I just want to make sure they’re healthy,” she said, rubbing her stomach gently, “I’m only about 11 weeks along now but y’know…I thought it’d be good to see someone. I’m not very educated on pregnancy and the like; what I can or can’t do and all.”

She wasn’t entirely sure what else to say – Leon was the more talkative one of them.

[StormWolf]

"Well, congradulations, you two." Doctor Robert smiled, sliding himself across the floor on his stool, rummaging through various cuppords while he spoke.

"Well, this being your first time carrying precious cargo, I can understand how you are both worried, especially in these times." The Doctor rolled his stool over to Acacia.

"Lay back and relax, if you will." he eased the mother-to-be back on the bed, the crinkling paper over the mat irritated Leon's ears to the point he frowned. The Doctor noted this and laughed. "You relax too, big boy. Stress is contagious." Leon took a deep breath -- several deep breaths -- and visibly relaxed. Doctor Robert laughed and made a suggestive bounce of his eyebrows to Acacia,

"Boy, did you score a keeper! I hope he listens to you that well. Okay, down to business. The number one, most important rule for a healthy pregnancy is no silver. None! Even a little has a chance of causing stillbirth or permanent problems. That means you either lock yourself in a room 'till the stark lands or you have your tank of a hubby be your man-shield." Robert put a stethascope in his ears and puffed warm breath onto the cone. He placed it against Acacia's stomach, his keen ears working with the device.

"Rule number two: Lots of red meat and no alcohol. If you have had one or two beers in the past week, that is fine, but nore more drinking until you are nursing." Robert smiled as he listened to what was on the other side of the stethascope. "Well, I may be old, but my ears are sharper than a razor, and I hear three healthy hearts in there." Robert smiled when he saw Leon's face, but he full on cackled when the large male snatched the stethascope from the doctor and listened himself. The Alpha's face became nothing but joy. He heard those little hearts plain as day. Three little hearts that managed to make Leon's own heart sing.

"The third rule is for you, gigantor..." Robert said to Leon, jabbing the large man in his cannonball-like shoulder to get his attention. "You keep your wife happy, especially as those pups develop more. Happy mama makes happy babies. She wants sex, you better give her sex before she gets agitated. Also, for the both of you, Changins is healthy for the developing fetus'. When you Change, your body starts pumping nutrients hundreds of times faster. It's like a day at the gym for the babies, helping them develop a powerful immune system and overall stronger body early on."

Leon nodded, smiling as he looked to Acacia, then kissing her right on her bellybutton.

"If you stay like that, you are going to be a great father, I have no doubt. And if the lady here cares this much about her litter this early on, she is going to be an amazing mother." Robert smiled at the couple, standing and washing his hands. "You will start showing soon, that will be when your appetite will start spiking. You have yourself and three others to feed, mind you." Robert dried his hands and sat up on the counter,

"Anything else I can do ya for?"

[Flex]

It had all gone wrong, well horribly wrong actually, and… perhaps it wouldn’t have had to go so wrong if the vampire who she had thought she had had, hadn’t made a move for her upper body. Honestly, how humiliating; she was seriously considering reporting the vampire before her for sexual harassment, or… well… not really, but still. It was all… very uncalled for, to say the least. Staggering backwards, Dice hit the wall and shut her eyes for the briefest of seconds, getting herself together. When she was ready, she simply shot the older vampire a glare and made for her sword. “A kind of reflex?” Dice laughed, sarcastically. “You usually cup the breasts of women that you’ve only just met?”

She wouldn’t be surprised if the older vampire had made a habit out of such things; after all, he was an older vampire--and a male one, at that: a sleaze. It was common amongst his type and age. Dice glanced at the other, getting ready to shoot him yet another of her famous death glares; one that would leave him feeling cold and empty--hopefully, anyway--only to find him reaching towards her, smiling at her kindly… as if she was some kind of pathetic animal. “Get away from me,” Dice spat, getting up sharply and raising her sword--a gesture that was pathetic in itself; all those years she had spent practising and practising… only to have him bat the weapon away, as if it was some… insignificant fly.

Gathering the last few shreds of dignity that she had left--which were, well, fairly scarce--Dice lowered her sword and gazed levelly at the other vampire. “My neck is fine, thank you,” she told him coolly--she would be calm… indifferent, collected. What had happened… had never happened, as far as she was concerned. “Yes, I do work for Joseph, he’s…”

A murderer.
A rapist.
A monster.

“…indescribable,” she finished. “I believe we’ve spoken enough; you can ask someone else for directions to wherever he is. I’d have no idea, anyway; I’ve been caged up all week.” Dice made a few moves towards the door that opened to her room, turning around just as she reached it, her hand resting on the handle. “Oh, and I’d appreciate it if you didn’t tell Joseph about meeting me,” she said, her voice quiet and precise. “This never happened.”

And with that, she stepped inside her room, slamming the door shut, behind her. For a few second she attempted to compose herself; it had never happened, after all, right? She didn’t need to get herself all worked-up over nothing; she was above that, wasn’t she? Oh, she was… she was… not. Angrily, Dice raised her sword and slammed it against the door--one strikes, two strikes, three strikes. The wood tore beneath the blade; oh, if only the same could be said for the vampire. Still, she could see his face etched in the notches, and she attacked--again, and again, and again. His arrogant, conceited, self-important face. Eventually, the door gave away, falling to the floor in splinters, and satisfied, Dice felt the pool of hate inside her slowly… slowly… seep away.

Dropping the sword to the floor, Dice made her way towards her bed and comfortably allowed herself to fall; lounging in the sheets. It was turning-out to be quite a bad time, for the clans… and blood would be shed. Hopefully the right blood; well, she’d make sure of that, anyway: Leon Wulfschild finally had company on her hit list.

---

If the last two months had been a dream, Lleyton had quickly found himself in a nightmare--and a bloody, sacrificial, and sadistic one, at that. Granted, after his past conduct, he… deserved it to an extent, but still… fuck. Maybe if he had bothered to actually fucking dress himself--perhaps in one of those pretentious suits that that dear Lucius would have considered, oh, so chic--he wouldn’t have found himself in such a mess. Maybe if he hadn’t welcomed the idea of fucking the hotel receptionist until she passed out, or… fuck, maybe if he hadn’t spent the past two months MIA, having FUN, this shit would have never happened. Fuck it, Ray was dead… and it was all his fucking fault. Well, it was a two-way road, a team effort. Hoo-fucking-ray.

So, sitting in a plane, destined for Denver, Lleyton felt something that he thought he never would; revolt. Well, the burning desire, anyway… but, of course, that would be the most fucking stupid idea; he didn’t exactly have a death-wish, not exactly… oh, god; Ray’s corpse had been so, so fucking scary. Going into the details would be draining, and Lleyton had never been the type of man to go into the nitty-gritties, but… basically, he wouldn’t be getting one fucking second of shuteye, tonight. Or anytime soon. Definitely not any fucking time soon.

He couldn’t wait until the plane landed; he needed to be in action, doing something. Some-fucking-thing. Sitting down--in a sea of silent people--left too many chances for reverie. Way, way, way too many fucking chances. Honestly; there were no good movies, no interesting humans to converse with--then again, the humans who regularly traveled economy in business-suits were notorious for having sticks up their asses--and there were no hot plane staff, whatsoever. Honestly; not one fucking attractive flight-attendant. Not a single fucking one. Had sexy flight attendants gone out, alongside flannel shirts and cowboy ties? He’d have to ask Lucius about that… he always had a thousand questions for Lucius… well, once he had resumed his usual chatty, charming self, of course, or… shit, he was thinking about Ray, again.

Lleyton felt a pain strike his throat and he clamped his eyes shut, grimacing.
Don’t. Think. About. Ray.

The plane eventually landed, after thirteen more excruciating seconds of silence and reverie. Ray’s body floated in his mind, like… well, a corpse. Fuck. He had told himself that he wouldn’t think about it, yet… here he was; thinking about it. Why the fuck was he thinking about Ray, anyway? Weren’t there better things to think about? Like, perhaps, how the fuck he was going to get into contact with this Bravado clan and ‘infilitrate’ it? Or, why the fuck Lucius spoke like he had swallowed a dictionary? Or, what about… how badly the woman in front of him needed to take her shirt off? “Here’s your passport, sir,” she told him, handing him the booklet.

“Thanks,” he grinned, pocketing the booklet and slipping on his pair of his sunglasses. He turned away from the counter, before suddenly turning back. “Uh…”
“Something wrong, sir?”
“Um, uh… I was wondering…” Lleyton began, suddenly feeling slightly unsure of himself. “If I could have your number, or… we could meet-up or something, you know?”
The girl blinked, and then blushed. “Uh, I don’t know if that would be right of me, sir. I’m sorry, but I mean, I’m working… not to mention that I don’t even know you…” Avoiding eye contact, she gathered the few papers on her desk, filing them away.
“Lleyton Tallis,” he quickly told her, holding out his hand. “You?”
She gazed at his hand, for a second, before slowly smiling and taking it. “Rachel.” Her smile broke into a grin as they shook, and she elaborated; “Rachel Sinclair.”

He would never call her. Lleyton was completely sure of that. Fuck, how could he call her? With his schedule… and after what had happened to Ray, there was no fucking way he could allow himself to, well, have fun. Then again, he had her phone number, plugged into his mobile--he could call her, whenever he fucking wanted. Amongst a zillion other phone numbers; people that he could call whenever he felt like--they were his, in that way. His totally expendable contacts… at least he had some sort of power, in this shithouse of a situation. Life was full of fucking options; you just had to find them. And life was full of fucking jobs, as well; such as… finding this fucking Bravado clan and infiltrating them. He’d have to get onto that one, pronto.

Sighing, Lleyton leant against a wall, rifling through his satchel and finding the map of Denver that he had picked-up, on his way out of the airport. “Bra-fucking-vado, where the fuck are you?” he whispered to himself. His eyes traveled down the potential roads, and… shit, shit, shit--where the fuck were they? He barely knew anything about them, as far as he was concerned, they were yet another clan--similar to Conzetta--that he gave absolute jack shit about. Not to mention that he needed a cigarette; that would do him some good--calm him down, anyway.

So that was the plan, then; after a smoke, he’d begin the wild search for wherever the clan was situated. Snapping the map shut, and slinging his satchel over his shoulder, Lleyton turned away from the Denver sunlight, in search of a good cigarette.

[Kirra]

Damn it! Why did he always act this around cute girls? Luke pondered as he waited for the small girl to reply. It wasn't that he didn't have experience with girls, he had plenty of that. But when an adorable young girl comes near him, Luke just loses himself.

As he tried to explain himself to the girl, it seemed he only made things worse. She started screaming and even pulled her sword on him. It wasn't like she could hurt him, but it bothered him that she wanted to. Then all the sudden she seemed to calm.

The girl admired to working for Joseph but added something that Luke didn't like. "He's …indescribable." Something about the way she said it hit home with Luke. Indescribable could mean so many things.

Visions of the last time Luke had came to visit flashed in his head. The bloody frame of a young woman who was bound. Worse was the screams Luke heard even through the sound proof walls. Joseph must have wanted to keep others from hearing his enjoyment. But no sound eluded Luke's ears. Even after Joseph let the girl go, Luke could tell she would never be free.

"I guess that's one way to put it." He muttered under his breath. Luke let the girl continue but quickly regretted it. She told him to find another guide and started to walk away. Luke quickly go to his feet but didn't pursue. "But, wait... I..." But she was gone. "Crap." Luke could of easily found her by the sweet scent she left behind, but decided against it after he heard the crashing against the door she had entered. "Maybe I'll let her cool off first. Now where is that guy."

Luke followed the hall until he found an open area with a woman sitting behind a desk. A ravishing young thing, but nothing like the girl from before, who couldn't have been immortal for more than fifty years. She didn't even notice him walk up. Luke cleared his throat. The woman nearly jumped when she saw Luke less than five feet from her. "Oh sorry sir. I didn't see you there. Can I help you sir?" Luke smiled his best smile at the woman "Hi. I'm Luke, an old friend of Joseph. Is he here?" The woman opened a black leather bound book and looked through the pages. "Do you have an appointment? I don't see you name on his appointment list." Luke chuckled a bit before continuing. "Hun, the last time I was here was a hundred years ago. That book wasn't even a tree yet. Check the list of contacts. It should mention me."

The woman looked through her desk until she found a laminated piece of paper. She noticed Luke's name and nearly froze. "Oh sir. I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to make you wait. I will contact Joseph immediately." She pressed the call button on her intercom. "Sir. I am terribly sorry to bother you." She was cut off. *What is it? I'm busy.* She looked terified. "Umm... I'm sorry sir, it's just that Luke has arrived and he wanted to see you. The list said..." *Luke! Send him in. Have his guest room cleaned up and get him anything he wants.* "Yes sir."

She turned to Luke and smiled at him. She obviously didn't want to get in trouble. "Sir, Joseph will see you whenever you are ready. The room is down the hall through the double doors. Is there anything I can do for you before you see him? Would you like a drink?" Luke smiled at the thought. "No, thank you. Could you have my car parked somewhere safe. It is out front." He leaned in close. "And if something happens while it gets parked, you are to say it was already there. I will back the story up. Because if you don't Joseph may kill the one who drives it."

Luke walked down the hall and entered the double doors. It was completely Joseph's style, way over the top. As Luke opened the doors, he couldn't help but laugh at the reason for this meeting. The letter was still in his pocket. 'Should I show him right away?' "Hey old friend. Long time no see."

[Auki]

As the doctor rolled over to them, laying her down on the bed and easing the stethoscope from around his neck, she felt almost giddy with excitement. Grinning at her husband, she listened carefully to Robert, feeling a guilty stab at the mention of alcohol. She couldn’t drink? No one had warned her of that - She was going to have to watch Leon downing beers whilst she sipped at her Coca-Cola? Giving a small shrug of disappointment, she decided not to let it bother her. Pregnancy was what it was – It wasn’t like she could give up now over something this small. It would likely do her body good to give up alcohol for a few months regardless. Her lifestyle had done nothing for her liver.

The cool metal of the stethoscope was uncomfortable at first, slowly warming as he listened intently to it. The joy of having a lycan take the exam was the accuracy of his hearing. When he announced their litter of three, she practically giggled in delight. It was too soon to tell the gender of course but just knowing the number made them seem all the more real. She squeezed Leon’s hand, not in the least bit surprised at his excitement. It was so nice to see him happy after the late events – Three little gifts to distract his mind from the upcoming months. She hummed happily, watching him listen to her stomach – It was hard to believe such a day had finally come.

When he had had his fill of listening, she pulled her top down over her stomach again, propping herself into a sitting position.

“…And if the lady here cares this much about her litter this early on, she is going to be an amazing mother."

Her cheeks warmed and she gave the doctor a nod of thanks at the compliment. At least she was doing something right. She cradled her stomach, fascinated at the thought of three tiny lives growing inside of her. They already had a heartbeat – It was incredible. She couldn’t wait to see what they looked like.

"Anything else I can do ya for?"

She, of course, still had questions but he dealt with each one patiently. It was strange to think of herself as a ‘mother’ but that was what she was now – She had to take responsibility. For the most part, her queries were what most women already knew. Although she felt stupid asking them, it was vital she gained such knowledge about the rights and wrongs of pregnancy. She was relieved to know she could continue her morning jog, although he recommended she lessened it to a morning walk for the later months. Water was apparently good – She struggled to remember that last time she’d had a glass.

With their questions answered, they left the clinic, smiles upon both their faces. She couldn’t keep herself from rubbing her stomach – This was all so amazing. We’re having three pups; Leon and me together. She felt like nothing could dampen her mood. Her husband again needlessly helped her mount his bike and she wrapped her arms around his waist firmly, her hand lowered to stroke the inside of his upper leg absently. No worries, no stress. Try as she might, her mind continued to trail back to their babies. She rested against his back contentedly, “Leon?”

“Leon, I think I should go stay with my father’s pack. If silver really does as much damage as the Doctor said, then I’m at serious risk staying here. I doubt my parents will be as involved in the Clan War as our pack will so…y’know…I think it’s safer…”

She kissed him softly on the back of the neck, “At least then you can go after Joseph unhindered. I’ll be waiting for you to come pick me – This way that Sanguine bastard can’t get his hands on me.”
She held her husband tighter, confident in her decision. As a mother, she had to be responsible. She had to ensure her and the baby’s safety.

[Anne Bonny]

It was with great care that Iris untangled her limbs from Sol's. She moved out of his bed with surprising grace, doing her best not to wake him. A clock, ticking quietly on the wall, showed that it was almost noon, and there wasn't any reason to disturb her lover so early.

The girl crept to the door and took a glance over her shoulder to be sure he was still resting peacefully before slipping out of the room. Her bare feet felt light as a feather as Iris practically skipped down the stairs. She was grinning, she could feel it, an almost childish joy rising up inside of her with every step. After years of patient waiting and even doubting that it would ever happen, it had! Iris couldn't wait to tell Marissa.

Her duffle bag was still sitting by the door where she had left it when they got to the cabin, and Iris rummaged through it to find some clothes. She hadn't bothered with pajamas the night before, and couldn't quite remember where her clothes had ended up. A pair of warm up pants and a violet tank top worked fine to cover her bare body.

On most days the girl would take a long jog just after waking up, but the rustic cabin lacked a treadmill and in the midday sun going outside was quite out of the question. So Iris decided on some yoga streatches instead. Anything to clear her mind a little.

Her body ached from the previous night's "work out", but it was a satisfying feeling. Souveneers of the events leading up to... well, the bedroom lay all around. An empty bottle of that potent bloodwine rested on the table beside their just as empty glasses. And a wicked looking hooked weapon had been forgotten on the floor. What had Sol called it? K... Khopesh, that was it.

Thinking back over the night seemed hilariously cliche in the light, Iris realized as she eased into a cat stretch. She had been thankfully sober when she recited the oath and gave her blood to Sol. The ritual had been too serious for the mockery of alcohol. But when the tension was released, Iris drew back into her comfort zone - combat. And the wine came with.

Sol's cabin was a museum of fantastic and ancient weapons that the girl had never seen before. It had been with great excitement that she had asked about them. And when she asked for instructions, the real fun began.

If she were honest with herself, Iris would have to admit that her real reason for the request was to get closer to her master and teacher. And she was rewarded with that and more. When they came to the khopesh he had moved around behind her to position her into the proper stance. She could feel his warm breath against her ear, laced with the taste of wine. Iris had turned her face towards his without thinking of her actions, and their lips had met in a kiss.

One kiss was followed by many more, and the lessons were abandoned. The rest of the night was punctuated by moans of ecstasy amid playful words. A few minutes of sleep here and there before one would wake and beg the other for more. Even this morning, recalling his touch in the darkness was giving the girl chills.

She moved into Uttanasana (http://yoga.about.com/od/yogasequences/ss/dailystretch_7.htm), exhaling and closing her eyes, trying to concentrate on her streatching. When Sol awoke, they would be off to Washington DC to find Marissa. Guilt washed over Iris at the thought. She hoped for the thousanth time her friend was alright. Here she was, having the time of her life, while her best friend was in hiding. But it wouldn't be long until they would be able to defeat Joseph, Iris told herself. As an elder, Sol could...

Indigo eyes opened and the girl peered through her ankles at the upside-down figure of Sol watching her from across the room, an amused smile on his face. Iris broke into a grin and straightened before practically tackling him in an embrace. He suggested a shower before they left, to which Iris nodded her agreement.

The shower took longer than expected.

But when the two were finally packed and on the road again, Iris' phone beeped with another message. "It's another from Marissa," she relayed to Sol, who sat behind the wheel. "Where the west winds blow there's powder aglow with dawns anew and skies so blue." She paused. "I don't understand. That doesn't sound anything like DC."

Iris chewed on a thumbnail and stared out the window in thought. She had never been very good at puzzles. West wind... It must be west then. What was this powder aglow? Her head tilted back in the seat as Iris tried her best to picture blue skies and a fresh, clean dawn...

"Aspen!" she cried suddenly. "That's it, Marissa and I had talked about vacationing there someday! She must have moved there then, she's not in DC!"

Iris felt rather proud of herself and Sol continued on to the airport. They would be in Colorado soon enough. She reached across the seat to take Sol's hand. Despite the dangers they would be facing and an uncertain future, Iris was certain she hadn't ever felt so content.

[StormWolf]

Leon had been driving, humming a tune to himself in happiness when his wife's soft voice brushed over his ears. Leaving? No, not permanently. To his own surprise, Leon agreed, nodding an affirmative.

"If you want it that way, love, I will take you the the airport now." Leon sighed, remaining surprisingly calm as he turned the bike towards the off-ramp to the Denver Airport. He savored the warm feeling of his wife clinging close to him, knowing that he will be missing it when she goes to live with her parents. He hated to consider letting her go somewhere without his protection, especially now, but he had to trust her and remember that she was right and could damn well take care of herself.

Leon had stopped humming, buy he still held in mind that he was a father and that he had to put the lives of his wife and children before his own pleasures, not that he would ever think otherwise, but still.... Not having her to comfort him and keep him.... human.... it seemed impossible to imagine, but it was still going to happen.

Pulling up to the terminal at Denver Airport, Leon stepped off of his bike and helped Acacia off. Holding her close and kissing her deep and long, savoring her taste and touch.

"I'm going to miss you, my love." he brushed her hair behind one of her ears, kissing her again. "Call me and send me pictures, okay?" he managed to smile, for her sake.

------

Joseph was sitting behind his desk, enjoying his evening meal, very raw red meat that smelled of human, a very young human.

"Ah, Luke! It is a pleasure to see you again. Here, take a seat and help yourself to some blood wine." Joseph smiled, blood dribbling down his chin as he chewed on the human equal of veal with a mad grin on his face.

[Kirra]

Luke noticed his friend sat at a large table. The smell of human flesh and blood filled the room. Blood was needed to survive as a vampire, but not many of them actually ate the entire human. It was one of Joseph's disturbing habits. If they had not met so may years back, Luke knew he would never have liked this man. The blood on the other hand did smell good. But Luke had always lost his apatite when he was around Joseph.

"No thanks old friend. I ate before I arrived." It was a lie, but Joseph had no need to know that. "I'm sorry for my sudden intrusion. I have heard some interesting things and thought I should come talk to you. It isn't the kind of thing to speak of in front of others and as you are eating, maybe we should wait a bit before speaking."

Luke placed his hand on the table and leaned in. "Hey Joseph. There is something I would like. You know to keep me busy while I wait." A kind smile on his face. "A saw a girl when I got here. She was a cute little Asian girl. Couldn't have been older than 100. Do you mind calling her up here and letting me borrow her while I wait for you to finish?"

[Flex]

It had taken a while for Lleyton to find someone willing to lend him a cigarette--just a single, fucking cigarette. Rushing through the crowds elevating towards the exit signs; Lleyton hadn’t found himself a single saviour; not a single motherfucker willing to share his--or her--nicotine. Well he had, but it had taken a while. He had no idea when society had made such a sharp turn for the selfish, but it must have been sometime during his early Lycan years--he could still remember the early period; he had been frenzied and feverish, alone and desperate and… “Fuck, only one left,” he groaned, letting the packet crumple in his right palm as he slipped out the final cigarette.

In all honesty, the shit had done him some good--it had, well… it had mellowed him. He could smell the smoky taste of cigarette smoke on his tongue; in his blood. Fuck, yes. So… shit happened, right? Occasionally your boss became a psychopath and killed your best friend. And, well... the end. The fucking end. Granted, Ray had been drunk and completely out-of-his-mind when he had died; he probably had no idea what the hell was happening… Lucius would have loved it. Oh, yes--Lleyton could imagine; Lucius would have loved it and Ray would have just…

Lleyton felt his hands clench for a second, and relax the very next. He heard the cigarette pack crumple once again--the pointed corners of it pricking into the sensitive pads of his fingertips; jolting him back into awareness with a single blink. Shit, shit, shit. He had gone off on yet another of those pesky tangents. “Just… stay cool,” he muttered to himself, lighting his final cigarette. “Just stay cool.” He slipped the cigarette between his lips, relaxing as a flood of tobacco did the job for him, sating his nerves.

Smirking happily to himself, Lleyton watched clouds of black smoke drift from the end of his cigarette; flying high up into the air. He had never been one for smoke rings or cigars; none of that fancy shit--as long as he was pumping smoke into his body, he was happy. And, well, it did look somewhat pretty in the sky--almost indistinguishable behind the tinted lenses of his sunglasses. He watched as it rose higher and higher, disappearing behind the sea of white tents that made-up the roof of Denver Airport.

Behind his sunglasses, Lleyton watched what seemed like an endless train of people pass him by; children giggling happily, dancing around in circles and clasping onto their parents. Young couples, hand-in-hand, swinging in each other’s arms--and older couples, as well--their eyes twinkling and their weary hands clutching onto the handles of their suitcases. Businessmen and businesswomen; sharply defined--almost like penguins in their black and white outfits… oh, and teenage boys as well--skinny, bumbling jackassses with their hands in their pockets and their pants hung low; their underwear exposed to the entire fucking world. Lleyton watched them in amusement; as they huddled in groups and bragged to each other in their husky, creaky voices. He wondered if he had ever been like them; so confident, yet insecure at the same time; so concerned about his appearance, yet… fuck, it had all been so long ago--those few human memories… so fucking long ago.

He could remember being sixteen; reveling in boxing. He had been an excellent boxer--he could still remember the championships… the medals and the trophies. Fuck, the trophies; every night he would bring them down from his shelves and polish them until he could see his sixteen-year-old face staring back at him. He had been fucking pathetic; ‘Almost as pathetic as this lot’, he thought to himself as a group of teenagers--stereotypically scuffing their shoes and bumping into each other awkwardly--passed him by. He had been so youthful and so inspired and just so… so fucking high on life and then the war came; he had been whisked away from his life, from his family, from his mother.

“Fuck this,” Lleyton muttered to himself, opening up his satchel. It had been a while since he had been sixteen; a fucking while; so much had happened since, and… well… there was still that mission; Bravado, the present--yet another obstacle just waiting to fuck him up. He took another putt from the cigarette and reached for the map, pulling it open with one hand and glancing over the skeleton of Denver. “Just forget about that shit, Lley--” he began, cutting himself short. Oh great, now he was fucking talking to himself, as well. Wasn’t that the first sign of madness, or some shit? Or perhaps it was, like, his inner-self--his fucking conscious--reasoning with him? Either way, it scared the fuck out of him… and anyway, he had no time to dwell over it… because that was when she decided to enter the scene.

Yes, she with the bee-stung lips and hourglass figure. Instantly recognisable; almost like… a beacon. A halo? Like a rose amongst the thorns. Lleyton literally heard the breath leave his lungs with a single ‘whoosh’ as quite honestly the most beautiful woman he had ever had the good fortune to lay his eyes upon, walked into Denver Airport. She was a Lycan; that was all he was sure of. Well, and she was a woman, as well--and a fucking sexy one, at that. And she was… in trouble?

Lleyton watched as she quickly garnered the attention of a group of leering men--not a fucking surprise; she was that freaking gorgeous. “Hey gorgeous,” a middle-aged man with a potbelly yelled. As she precariously drifted with the crowd, the ‘leader’ of the group--a tall, rugged man--made a sudden move for her, taking her by surprise. “Fuck this shit…” Lleyton murmured as the man began pulling her towards him. Quickly putting his map away, adjusting his satchel and acting with haste, within less than a second Lleyton found himself next to her, pulling her towards himself. “Babe, I told you to wait for me,” he laughed, slinging an arm around her waist, before turning to the hulk of a man--fuck he was tall; he towered above everyone else; from a distance he could easily be mistaken for a werewolf--“fuck off, man. She’s mine.”

Lleyton thought that the human was going to retaliate; they sometimes got like that, when they couldn’t have what they wanted. He had seen it countless times before; they got this stubborn look in their eyes… and then they got all fucking violent. However, all the man did was shoot him a dirty look, before disappearing back into the crowds that he had come from. “So,” Lleyton told the woman, afterwards, once they had managed to escape the throngs of people. He took one last drag of his cigarette. “Lleyton,” he told the woman, holding out his cigarette-less hand.

Meanwhile, the clusters of human beings around them--and completely obvious to them--continued to move on.

[StormWolf]

The Bravado Alpha sat against his parked bike, a dark cloud all but hanging over his head. Those eyes a dark, solemn blue as he looked at something in his hand. A platinum band, plain and simple, but it was one of those sentimental things that humans used to represent marriage. Leon wished he could always wear it, but if he Changed while wearing the thing, it would break, so he kept it on a necklace, a loose one, so that when he Changed, it would be more like a collar.

What will you do now? She is safe, yet she is gone. No more warm beds, no more blissful release at night with her wrapped around you, no more soothing songs or words.... What will you do, Leon? The Tormentor laughed coldly inside Leon's head. The corner of one of Leon's eyes twitched at the mere sound of his voice. Powerful hands closed around the wedding band, those cold blue eyes slowly shifting to the fiery, feral yellow. Dark eyebrows furrowed as Leon's lips quivered in a snarl.

Feeling a little off balance? Good. Acacia did the right thing, Leon. She is keeping herself and the babies safe. Now you can concentrate on your job; setting their safety in stone. Take out your phone.

Leon obeyed, pulling his phone out of his pocket and flipping it open.

Call your informant.

Leon dialed the number, pressing "call" and placing the phone next to his ear, waiting for the informant to pick up. Leon followed the Tormentor's instructions verbatum. He asked where Joseph's son was. Fortune favored the Bravado Alpha, having placed Jacob Hammerstein, the prodigal son of Joseph, in a club that he ran, racket included; one of the major sources of income for the Sanguine in Denver City. The place was locked down pretty tight, no way a pack would be able to fight their way in before Jacob would be able to escape. One man, however.... one very specific man, could walk in relatively un-noticed. Getting all he wanted and needed to know, Leon flipped the phone closed and slid it back into his pocket.

With a face like stone, Leon mounted his bike and revved the engine, taking off like a bat out of hell. The cool winter's breeze hit his face and blew his dark locks of hair wildly behind him. Jacob thought that the name of his father was enough to scare those who wished him harm away. The assailant coming for the young Vampire was not an average attacker, though. He was a veteran of some of the worse wars to mark the earth, his strength is as great as his determination, and slowly going mad without his balance.

The Alpha pulled up to the club, slower in the daytime hours, making the security more responsive to what he would be doing over the dozens of other ravers and drug-users. Leon would wait for the night to fall. Hell, he was considering sending a message, ravaging this place as White Scar, leaving only enough of Jacob left to fit in a glass jar.

Leon would wait, scope out the patrols and listen to his Tormentor's voice, letting that chilling tone in his head fuel the fire in his blood, keeping that desperation and the sickening feeling of solitude and separation from his wife locked away deep inside. He would need that fury once the sun went down.

-------

Joseph finished his meal, washing it down with his blood wine, dabbing his mouth and chin with a silk napkin before pressing a button to call up his secretary.

"Will you send Dice up here, please? No questions will be tolerated. Her place is to follow, not to question. She would do best to come immediately."
*Yes, milord.*

Joseph turned off the comm and stood, hands clasped at the small of his back, walking with a regal, pompus air.

"I am glad you came, Luke. I have many things that need doing, and a artisian of your trade and of your professionalism would be welcomed.... and well paid." Joseph smiled, his fangs glinting in the artificial light. "Hell, if you do some jobs for me, I will give you Dice, that sweet little thing you saw in the hall. She is stubborn and may fight at first, but all spirits can be broken. Apply enough pressure and you can compromise a diamond."

[Anne Bonny]

Being a creature of the night certainly had it's benefits. But for a woman, vampire or not, the inability to cast any sort of reflection was nothing short of torture. Lilith let out a heavy sigh as she stared at the empty pane of glass in her hotel bathroom.

Instead she glanced down at herself in her new dress. It was the sort of dress (http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod100010048&parentId=cat14120808&masterId=cat10330740&index=14&cmCat=cat000000cat000117cat17740740cat10330740cat1 4120808) that left a woman with no where to hide. Not only tight enough to hug every curve, the gleam of satin seemed to highlight the body it covered. The cut, while not overly flashy refused to hide long, slim legs and left Lilith's neck completely exposed. A classic little black dress, sophisticated and tempting at the same time. A diamond tennis bracelet, earrings, and strappy black shoes finished the outfit. The vampiress made a mental note to leave a large tip for the concierge. It was perfect.

At least she thought it was. Hard to tell without a damn mirror, and fussing over her appearance wasn't making her any less nervous for the night's appointment. Lilith took a long breath to steady herself. Wasn't this her specialty? To be charming and intriguing and to get whatever information she could out of the other party? Although her missions of espionage had never been weighed down with her entire future as tonight was...

The phone rang, interrupting Lilith's thoughts. It was the front desk, saying a limo had arrived to take them to dinner. Hector arrived at her door a few minutes later, dressed in a suit that looked like it had been made just for him. Lilith was surprised at how relieved she felt that he had chosen to come along. With the brief statement that Hector cleaned up well, the two made their way to the lobby.

The Fourth Estate's atmosphere was charming, elegant, with a splash of modern flair mixed in. Very American, perfect for Washington DC, Lilith decided. It was a bit more relaxed than she had expected however, and the vampiress was thankful that she had left her hair down. A man at the door took Hector's coat and escorted the pair to a table in one of the room's many private corners. To her confusion, they were lead to a table where a man was seated with a hand covering her eyes. She was about to issue a polite correction to the maitre d' when the man raised his head.

They were greeted by a now dark haired Stephen, who lacked a coat or even a tie and looked almost disheveled. Lilith felt an eyebrow arch in surprise as he rose and took her hand. Granted, she didn't know much about Stephen, but she had known Rhett for some time all those years ago, and disheveled was never a word that could have been used to describe him back then.

"...Forgive me my appearance, ma chere--this day has turned out hardly as I expected."

"Of course," Lilith replied, quickly recovering from her surprise and flashing a smile before taking a seat. But inwardly she still felt confusion, and... was that worry?

Before she could think any more on Stephen's appearance, a waitress was around asking for drinks. Lilith requested a zinfandel and waited for Hector to order his drink, praying silently to herself that he would choose something without ice.

When the waitress left, her eyes rose to meet their hosts', which had turned from glittering gold to icy blue, nearly matching her own. Her heart fluttered, memories threatening to cloud her thoughts again.

Lilith's smile returned. Why not use those memories for her benefit instead of letting them overtake her? "I must thank you for the accommodations, Stephen. The hotel is beautiful."

She paused, bringing a finger to her lower lip as if pondering something. "Or is it Rhett again tonight, with that dark hair and those blue eyes? Unless you've chosen another name for yourself." She gave a short laugh and tossed her hair over her shoulder. "Forgive me, but I'm afraid I'm not exactly sure what to call you."

[Auki]

Moving away from her husband was harder than she thought – Would he really be okay without her? Was she being selfish running away from the fighting? She returned his smile, feeling that his was just as forced as hers was. “Heck, I’ll call you as soon as I’ve booked the flight,” she said, crossing her arms and glancing behind her at the airport. He nodded and she left, feeling somewhat disappointed.

She hadn’t expected him to let her go… The concept of being without him made her feel vulnerable. She knew she was not helpless and she was not scared of being alone but yet…she grew tenser knowing that he was not there to watch her back. Weaving through the crowds of people reminded her how small she was in comparison with the surrounding humans; normally Leon would be there to lead her through.

Grow some balls, ya damn woman, her thoughts grunted at her yet it was still far easier just to dodge around people than force her way through them. She was agile enough and ended up progressing quicker through the bulk of people than those attempting to charge through.

Perhaps she should ring her parents to let them know she was heading their way? The idea seemed good until she remembered she was hopeless at handling her mobile phone; the technology was too…obscure…for her.

She allowed herself to once again get lost in her own thoughts, oblivious to the world around her. Her eyes stayed focused on her destination, her head held high, the click of her heels lost in the bustling of humans. Her hearing and sense of smell were muted as she allowed herself to daydream. She didn’t even notice the man approach her until his hand was clenched firmly on her arm, attempting to drag her towards him, What the...?! She resisted, of course, but there was only so much she could do in her current state. Changing would be disastrous. She could draw weapons but…well, anything she did would draw attention – Airports had such vigorous security now-a-days.

As she was figuring out how to tackle the issue of the guy dragging her away, a hand around her waist pulled her in the opposite direction, allowing her to come to a stop.
“Babe, I told you to wait for me.” She blinked and looked up, unsure how to react at the new person holding her. His scent was unthreatening – She didn’t think he meant her danger – but she had been wrong about that in the past. Men could change their motives in mere seconds. Still…he seemed the lesser of two evils. She yanked her arm free from the now-cautious human and turned herself towards her ‘saviour’, the side of her head pressed against his chest as lovers did, taking the opportunity to analyse his scent better. Oh…a lycan… She hadn’t even noticed. Turning back round to find the human stalking away, a sigh of relief escaped her lips.

--

“Lleyton,” the man before her announced, holding out a hand. She glanced disapprovingly at the cigarette stub crumpled on the floor before returning her gaze to him. Normally, when introducing herself she would use her maiden surname – For Lycans, she felt it only polite to use Leon’s. “Acacia,” she murmured, shaking his hand with her left, the platinum band on her ring finger in plain sight, “Acacia Wulfschild.” His blue eyes ran over her – She could feel herself getting self-conscious. It only now occurred to her that this lycan could be with Sanguine…but surely, he wouldn’t of saved her if he was? …Would he?
She was tired, massaging her temples gently to try rid herself of a growing headache. The humans around thankfully paid them no notice. She cocked an eyebrow and met his eyes firmly, her voice however remaining soft, “Surely it’s stupid to rescue strangers in the midst of war, aye?” A businessman, aggressively shouting orders at people through the device in his ear, trying to barge past her and she found herself moving closer to Lleyton to avoid him, much to her displeasure, “I thought this world had lost the civility to help strangers for no reason…”
She sounded ungrateful, which wasn’t true, but it was natural to be cautious at a time like this.

[Crypes]

"Everything is in order, sir." The vampire said, dropping the last box of ammo onto it's shelf. The warehouse was hardly the most sophisticated of hideouts, but it was adequate for Davan's purposes. But as he sat down on the lumpy chair he had in his office, he regretted the fact that his bank account didn't have the financial room for better dwellings. He'd been killing with the clan for at least a hundred years, and he'd just spent all of money made from those kills on weapons and hired guns. It was a fact that would bring any mortal man to tears and hopelessness. Even as an immortal such as Davan couldn't help but be slightly annoyed with the fact.

Polishing the silver blades that would fit onto his wrist, he grinned and reassured himself. "Not to worry, Davan. You won't end up with the bill, Joseph will after he eats a good crate or two of silver." He chuckled and slid the blades into their respective holds. He pushed his ring finger down and nodded as the wire strapped to the ring triggered the mechanism that caused the blade to slide into position. Made late in the renaissance and refined with technology from the modern age. The weapon was a work of art, no matter how one looked at it.

Davan looked up as he noticed one of his followers at the door. "Yes? What is it?"

"Nearly everything is in place, sir. The weapons are loaded and the vehicles are full. There's just one catch."

"I assumed as much when you said, nearly. Continue."

"The man that was supposed to get the key codes is dead. He was discovered on his way out of the building and executed by the guards. As it stands, we could still blow the doors open, but that would draw too much attention too early. The way the building is made, we would take heavy casualties trying to push our way through the guard stations."

"Of course. An explosion would set off every alarm in the building. We need to get in and take the tactical areas before they get organized."

"Yes sir. What should we do?"

"Nothing. I'll get the codes my self. I know the perfect tool for the job, and his nightclub is a ten minute drive away."

And just before sunset did the red pickup truck arrive. It parked somewhat crookedly somewhere in the middle of the parking lot and sat there a moment before the driver opened the door and stepped out, not even bothering to lock the door. He wore a Dallas Cowboys hat and jacket, some denim jeans, and old Nike shoes. He slid the Aviators onto his face and walked in, not even noticing the big biker, and looking just like a tourist. He quickly found a place to sit at the bar and ordered a beer with a thick southern accent, which he then proceeded to ignore. Everything was going as planned. And Davan hoped it would go that way for the rest of the night.

[Heirosyth]

Washington, D.C. -- The evening following Marissa's turning.

"...Forgive me my appearance, ma chere--this day has turned out hardly as I expected."

"Of course," Lilith replied and requested a Zinfandel. Hector, for his part, ordered glass of Jack and Coke--on the rocks, of course. The infamous chomping would ensue shortly. In a way, Lucius couldn't help but allow himself a partial smile at the lycan's audacity and attitude--after all, he had remembered how much that had irritated Lilith.

Lilith's smile returned. "I must thank you for the accommodations, Stephen. The hotel is beautiful." She paused, bringing a finger to her lower lip as if pondering something. "Or is it Rhett again tonight, with that dark hair and those blue eyes? Unless you've chosen another name for yourself." She gave a short laugh and tossed her hair over her shoulder. "Forgive me, but I'm afraid I'm not exactly sure what to call you."

Lucius regarded Lilith's pale blue eyes with his own, reflecting their sincere, deep blue depths of his centuries old being, and the sea of tears that could drown a million mortal lives beneath their waves. It was as if he was looking across the ages at her, across the millennium, the passing air between them like the gentle mist that sometimes lingers upon the ocean in the early morning, before the sun rises, lying like a blanket of dreams upon the tides. The whispers of so many nights and so much darkness drifted like ghosts into the black centers of his pupils, disappearing even as they seemed to reach out to the vampiress, their lingering hands and beckoning fingers calling her to dance as they did all those many years ago...

...so many years ago...

And then he sighed, as if all of those memories, all of those lives, all of that sadness bore down on him with the sudden and merciless force we call gravity, sending his bright pale wings that soared so majestically above those pale blue eyes plunging straight into the ocean, drowning that fair lord of the skies without hesitation beneath crushing, rolling passage of years, deeper and deeper into the abyss of icy bleak nothingness. It was a soul shuddering sigh, one that shook his entire frame and made all of his lordly poise fold in like a house of cards...

He was indeed mortal, in the most profound sense of the word--for the great lord, who possessed such charms and airs, caught upon her words... became a delicate and tender prince before her very pale blue eyes...

Even Hector, who had commenced chomping upon his damned ice could not ignore this sight, and stopped to take note of this transformation that overtook the vampire lord before him.

Closing his eyes slowly as he made a herculean effort to gather himself together, to hold himself together before Lilith, he nodded weakly, assenting to her sharp observation. "I don't expect you to ever forgive me, Lilith Jira," he said in a voice that for all the world belonged to a man who had survived the worst of storms and was now one half-breath away from dying upon the very shore he had washed up upon. "I don't expect you to ever believe me... again..."

And then, as if that dying shipwrecked survivor was gazing skyward at an angel of mercy, he gazed up into her eyes once more, begging not for life, but for forgiveness so that he could simply die in peace, as a man condemned to his haggard fate. "But I... have not gone a single night without thinking about you... and I have not gone a single night without worrying about you. And I cannot go another night of this eternal existence without telling you just how many nights I have shivered myself to sleep, reaching for you, wishing I could just once touch your face... and feel your lips brush against mine... the way they once did..."

"I could not spend one more breath without telling you..." At this, Lucius paused and swallowed hard, ignoring his Pinot Noir entirely before he could put the words together to speak again, "... that I need you Lilith Jira, that I need you by my side... that I need you in my life... what life I have left to live..."

He sighed again, shaking himself to the core, for he felt so cold. His eyes dropped again, and he whispered his next words once more: "I am Lucius Lazario... the 'mythical' Thirteenth Member of the Council of Twelve of Clan Conzetta. I am Rhett, I am Stephen; I have been so many men in my life time, but only one of them has ever felt about you the way that I do, Lilith. Only one..." His deep blue eyes met hers again, conveying the depths of his sincerity and meaning in his words.

Shaking his head slowly as if in despair and dismay, "I know that I have no way of proving to you any of this, of regaining your trust... but I ask only that you hear my words and consider them: A war is coming, Lilith, and I..." He paused, and blinked. His eyes seemed for that moment in eternity to be glassy before he blinked them back, and he regained his shivering form, "... I can't bear the thought of losing you again!"

Then, without saying another word, he reached his hand across the table and took Lilith's, and she immediately became aware of how very cold and frail it was. With his deep azure eyes lost in hers, he uttered these simple words: "Please. Join me."

*Crunch* The sound of Hector breaking down upon the ice with his teeth was like the crashing of the Titanic upon that fated iceberg. Lucius's phone vibrated within his sports jacket at precisely the same moment, indicating the arrival of a text message. Feeling it, he let his fingers slip free of Lilith's soft, fair skin, but as he withdrew it, he tipped over the wine glass, spilling the Pinot remaining in the glass all over his table cloth and onto his button down shirt, staining it dark red.

Clearly shaken at this, he muttered a few choice curses in Italian, and then looked up ashamedly at Lilith again, trying to ignore what must've been a growing smile on Hector Roy's face, even as he chomped down loudly upon his ice once more.

"Forgive me, ma chere," he smiled quickly and rose, pushing his chair back. "I must take care of this. Think about my words, please..." His eyes pleaded with hers, and then he quickly dismissed himself, vowing to return to hear her answer.

While he was in the bathroom, he took out the Blackberry, and knitted his eyebrows together, narrowing his eyes as he read the text from one of his contacts at Denver Airport:

LL W/ ACACIA.

Lucius thought quickly. His fingers glided smoothly over the keys as he tapped out the text he would send to Lleyton:

GET HER #.

FIND LEON.

This message was sent directly to Lleyton. The Vampire Lord of Conzetta smiled inwardly; the boy had done his job admirably. Lucius only hoped he could keep it up. Maybe there was hope for him after all...

Quickly and expertly cleaning off the wine stain with much furious scrubbing, Lucius cleaned himself up, not even bothering with the mirror, brushed his hair back and exited the bathroom back out into the restaurant.

While he was gone, Hector crunched the rest of his ice, downing the Jack and ordering another, before looking over at Lilith, and muttering with a wolfish smile: "Well I'm sold. How 'bout you?"

That wolfish grin was still on his face when Lucius returned at last to the table, several minutes later.

Sitting back down, the Vampire Elder of Conzetta glanced from Hector to Lilith, awaiting her reply with wondering eyes. Though he had not eaten a bite yet this evening, he could hardly even think on food before hearing her answer...

[Anne Bonny]

Something within Stephen had changed drastically from last evening to this, Lilith realized as the vampire met her questioning gaze. She had been mildly surprised at his less than perfect appearance when she and Hector had arrived at the restaurant. It might not have been something the average person would have noticed, only a few hairs out of place and a worried expression. But now his countenance had gone from concerned to shaken. It was completely unexpected, and a stunned Lilith could do nothing but watch and listen.

Her eyes locked on his, blue meeting pleading, earnest blue. Long seconds ticked slowly by and silence fell across the table, perhaps even around the room. Lilith couldn't tell; she felt as if her whole being hung upon whatever Stephen was going to do or say next.

"I don't expect you to ever forgive me, Lilith Jira," he said in a voice that for all the world belonged to a man who had survived the worst of storms and was now one half-breath away from dying upon the very shore he had washed up upon. "I don't expect you to ever believe me... again..."

Though his voice was weak, it's cold shivers seemed to wrap around Lilith's heart and squeeze, tighter and tighter with every word. He spoke of missing her... of needing her! Her defenses trembled, those barriers that she had worked so diligently to build around her emotions threatened to come crashing down. But she could do nothing but sink ever deeper into his gaze as Stephen spilled his soul.

When he confessed his true name, Lilith felt her ruby lips part in a gasp. In a strange, detached way, the vampire realized she had been holding her breath. Lucius Lazario? He couldn't be! a small voice screamed in the back of her mind. But that voice of reason was growing fainter and fainter as he continued to speak.

She hadn't even noticed his hand move, completely lost in his eyes and his words, until she felt his skin against her own. Lilith's body responded without conscious thought, and her fingers curled around his.

"Please. Join me."

He was pleading with her. He had missed her. Her Rhett had missed her! No, not Rhett. He was Lucius Lazario and he wanted her.

The spell was broken as soon as it had fallen over her, interrupted by the shattering of ice and a splash of wine. With a surprised cry Lilith drew her hand back, covering her mouth instead. A quick nod in his direction and Lucius was gone, leaving Lilith to stare at his empty seat in stunned silence.

She shook her head, physically snapping herself out of the trance he had left her in. Lilith risked a glance at Hector, who beamed back in response. But her eyes were burning, and the vampiress tilted her head down and closed them, allowing two tears to fall into her lap. Too many questions raced through her mind as she brought her napkin up to wipe away the wet lines on her cheeks.

But he would return soon, and it would do no good for Lucius to see her in such a state. So with valiant effort, Lilith straightened in her chair and blinked back her tears. She reached for her still full wine glass and drained it, just in time for the waitress to reappear and ask if she was ready for another. Her wolfish companion certainly was, of course. But Lilith shook her head. "Something different, I think," she said before explaining her new selection to the girl. After the waitress trotted off with a smile, she turned back to Hector.

"Well I'm sold. How 'bout you?" the lycan said with a grin. Despite her tangled thoughts, Lilith couldn't help but smile back.

"Easy for you to say," she replied with a wink. "You know, I had prepared a few choice words for our host, and I'm rather disappointed I won't get to use them now. They were very snide. You would have been proud."

Lucius returned, cleaner, but still serious, still wearing the same worried look. As if his very life hung on her answer. Lilith swallowed hard and raised her chin.

"Lucius," she said his name slowly, savoring the way it tasted on her tongue for the first time. "Do you have any idea how long it's been since we last met? Besides last night, it's been nearly a century."

"A century," she repeated, her eyes meeting his once again. This time it was hers that were begging, pleading for understanding. "Yes, we may have been blessed with years to spare. But that's far too long to go on pining for someone. You spoke of nights wasted, of wishing you could touch me again. Lucius, I've been here! Didn't you know you could have?

"I thought you were dead!" Lilith nearly cried, her slim form beginning to tremble. "You were the one that left, disappeared into oblivion, I thought. A kiss goodbye and that was the last of you. I thought you were bored with me. Oh Lucius, you broke my heart! How could I have known you cared at all? And don't claim some excuse about clan lines. I would have followed you if you had asked."

There were those cursed tears again, just behind her dark eyelashes, just waiting for her to lose control. "But that was so very long ago. And now you sit here before me speaking of miserable nights, cold and alone. What do you expect me to feel? Pity? I've been alone too! Any sane woman would slap you across the face, elder or no, and walk out of here."

Lilith lowered her eyes and took a deep breath to steady herself. A quick glance at Hector (who looked like he was at the edge of his seat) and then back to Lucius. The vampire looked wounded, but he sat quietly in front of her, taking every word without protest as if he deserved them. And perhaps he did. But...

"But," Lilith continued, "it seems my heart is foolish enough to fall for you again, Lucius." There was no stopping her tears now, but instead of wiping them away she reached out to take his hand. "I have missed you all this time, as much as I tried to tell myself otherwise. Promise me you won't disappear again. Please just give me that and I'll join you."

A "pop" sounded nearby and Lilith looked up to see the grinning waitress again. The girl held a green and gold bottle in her hands and looked excitedly from one person at the table to the next. "Champagne?" she asked. "The lady said you were celebrating."

"Yes," Lilith replied before turning back to Lucius. She leaned closer to him and brought her lips to his in a tender kiss. Then her eyes raised to his, and with a small smile playing at her lips she whispered again, "Yes."

[Flex]

Acacia. That was her name. A pretty name for a pretty girl, and all that shit.

Acacia; like the golden flowering buds of the wattle… that clustered and fell, swinging in the breeze. Or perhaps, like the trees--the ones that stretched far out, their long branches baring all their secrets? She was incredibly, insatiably, almost unattainably beautiful, there was no denying it. All Lleyton could do was stare, fuck, just stare and stare and fucking stare. It was not only just in her exotic looks, but in her scent and the way she spoke. Fuck, there was something extremely erotic about the fact that she could fucking speak at all; she was speaking now and Lleyton was doing his best to concentrate, to actually fucking listen to what she had to say, but all he could think about was what he could do to those lips… and to that body… in the back of his mind, Lleyton entertained the idea of ravishing her, in front of everyone; on the airport floor. Too bad such fantasies would never get around to actually happening; fuck airport security.

“Surely it’s stupid to rescue strangers in the midst of war, aye?” she was now saying. Fucking accusing, really… but, Lleyton didn’t mind; she was good-looking, she had a fucking excuse after all, didn’t she? Too bad she was married; probably to some ‘higher up’ motherfucker who did a great job protecting her high maintenance ass. Okay, maybe that was a tad harsh, but it was the plain truth; the high-rankers got the attractive women; well, the incredibly attractive ones, anyway. Lleyton had seen way too many fucking women waste their time with Lucius--rumour had it that the guy had a libido like no other--well, not in front of his fucking eyes, but, well, the evidence was fucking there, wasn’t it? Subtle glances over glasses of expensive, yet ironically tasteless wine, hands briefly touching in moments of curtained passion… fuck, Lleyton blinked himself back to reality; what the fuck was happening… where the fuck had all the Shakespeare shit come from? And who the fuck thought about their fucking boss having sex? What a fucking day.

The airport was a smorgasbord of emotion. Couples frantically waved to each other, children dashed towards the terminal, businesspeople chatted expertly into their mobiles; a midget in a suit--a businessman--brushed past them, causing Acacia, for some inexplicable reason, to move closer to him and Lleyton, almost as if on instinct--like a fucking reflex action, or something--settled a hand on her shoulder, steering her closer towards the wall. Fuck, she was sensual. She looked up at him, and continued: ““I thought this world had lost the civility to help strangers for no reason…” Her voice vibrated through her body and Lleyton felt his heart painfully lurch inside his chest.

“Yeah…” he began, “well…” What to say? He couldn’t fucking think. Another flock of people brushed past them and he felt Acacia settle into the nook they had created on the wall--well… he was the fucking nook, sheltering her from all the… people? Wait, she wasn’t scared of the humans, was she? The humans who she could fucking crumple, in wolf form? The faint sliver of a smile began to grow upon his lips, widely broadening as what she had just said--and done--finally registered with him. “You’re scared of… the humans?” Lleyton asked, and after a moment’s silence, erupted into laughter. “You’re fucking scared of the humans?” he snorted, flattening himself against the wall as more people rushed through. “The fucking humans?” He couldn’t understand it; how anyone could be scared of the humans. Fuck, he had dealt with humans… all his fucking lycan life; they were useful, somewhat pathetic, easily seduced… how the fuck could anyone be scared, or even slightly intimidated, by them? He resisted the urge to urge to hold back his head and laugh, and instead, stifled it.

“I shouldn’t be laughing,” he finally said, turning back to Acacia and running his eyes over her, “fuck, I’m sorry about that, it’s just that… you could fucking exterminate these guys, I mean… not that you would, but they’re fucking humans, they’re…” he trailed off, shaking his head. “I don’t really give a shit about this whole clan war, anyway,” he told Acacia. “I’ve had my share of war.” And it was fucking true; he had. “Fuck peace, fuck war--you know the drill. You looked like you needed help, so…” Lleyton sighed, slipping of his glasses and pocketing them--fuck, suddenly everything looked a lot brighter--“I helped you out.”

He opened his mouth again, just to say something--just fucking something--when his mobile came to life. Fuck, fuck, fuck--who the hell was it? Hopefully not one of the girls from his two-month-hiatus; the last thing he needed was a fucking reminder of Ray. Why couldn’t they fucking call him? Lleyton groped around in his pockets for the device; finally slipping it out--it was a text message:

GET HER #.

FIND LEON.

“No fucking way…” Lleyton muttered to himself, slowly slipping the mobile back in his pocket and scanning the airport. Who the fuck was watching him? It had to be fucking someone… unless the fucker had planted trackers into his fucking neck, whilst holding him in that freaking vice grip, back in the hotel. Lleyton grimaced and leaned against the wall, facing away from Acacia. So… he was being fucking spied on, as well? Lleyton wasn’t exactly surprised--fuck it, if they were; he wasn’t exactly planning on screwing up; fuck, then again, shit had a tendency to happen--if he screwed-up, he was dead. ‘So,’ he concluded, ‘I won’t screw up’. Okay, new plan; get her number, find Leon. Who the fuck was Leon; so fucking famous that he could be referred to by his first name alone… like fucking Oprah. Fucking terrific; he was back at Square One.

Lleyton turned back to Acacia, a sudden image of the golden peals of a wattle flor, clinging onto their branches with a desperation that Lleyton, even as a human, could somewhat relate to, swam from the recesses of his mind. Fuck, he was scared--he was being fucking watched; his ass was on the line. “Sorry about that, uh…” he muttered, quickly compiling a mental summary of what he had to do--get her number, find ‘Leon’. He took a deep breath, attempting to compose himself--another cigarette would have done him so fucking good… “I, uh… I have to go now,” he laughed, running a hand through his hair, tiredly. “You know, busy schedule. But, uh, I was wondering… could I have your number?”

He paused for a second, realising how that sounded. “I realise you’re married,” he amended, holding out his hands. “But, well, it’s at times like these that you need all the friends that you can get, right?” He narrowed his eyes into meaningful slits. “And I’d really love to ring you up, sometime, you know… just in case…” he trailed off, turning away from her, and staring into the direction of the sun. The day would be ending, soon; so much to do, so little fucking time. Fuck, he didn’t want to end up like Ray.

Fighting down yet another wave of desperation, Lleyton turned back to Acacia. “I’m actually here to see a guy by the name of, uh… Leon,” he told her, nodding thoughtfully. “Know anyone by that name?” + ...

[Auki]

Acacia observed the man before her curiously. His brow furrowed slightly; he seemed to be listening to his thoughts, working through them. It had surprised her when he had forced her nearer the wall, not roughly per se though not gently either, but she was glad. At least she was not in the way of anyone here. The people around them seemed so determined, so focused, striding through the airport full of purpose – She would hate to be a nuisance to them. Yet, wasn’t she meant to be joining them soon? Did she really need to abandon Leon so early in the pregnancy? I’ve got to look after them…I can’t…I have to put them first…but…I don’t want to.

She rested back against the wall with an inaudible sigh, her eyes flickering over the crowds of people. It was only the distinct difference in scents that reminded her of her abnormality – They were human, oblivious to the so-called War that boiled around them. Normally if it were up to a Lycan, the majority of blood would already have been shed – Their species was not known for patience and calm temperaments. However…this time, the vampires were plotting. Pulling strings and manipulating people as they always did. She could not deny their way of fighting was clever but she could not understand it.

She edged closer to the wall as a large group of men walked by, one of who blew her a kiss upon eye contact. Men were disgusting – No matter how long she lived, they remained the same lustful creatures. Thankfully, laws had given women more grounds to protect themselves on but…even so…

“You’re fucking scared of the humans?” She started, blinking up at him, shocked to see a grin wide on his face, “I shouldn’t be laughing.” She nodded in agreement, almost insulted that he took amusement in her anxiousness. “…but they’re fucking humans, they’re…”

“They’re still capable of hurting others,” she murmured bitterly, looking away from Lleyton to observe those around them. “It’s not the women so much – Even in this form, I could beat most of them. My battle experience outranks the majority after all but men…men have so much more brute strength than I do. I know, I know, I could Change and rip them apart but in that form it would be like attacking a child.” She pressed herself even more firmly against the wall, her fringe dipping in front her eyes, “I’d rather let myself be hurt than kill the helpless…and with those morals, I leave myself vulnerable. There seems to be more bad men in the world than good…” She repressed memories that threatened to surface and shuddered, “You may consider my discomfort irrational but it isn’t…at least, I don’t think it is.”

She shook her head and chuckled, allowing herself to smile, “Regardless, a Lycan like you, I could go full power against. You scare me less than they do. If I couldn’t fight a Lycan, I’d be pretty useless in this War.” Not that I’m really taking an active part at the moment…
“I don’t really give a shit about this whole clan war, anyway. I’ve had my share of war.”
“Haven’t we all?”
“Fuck peace, fuck war--you know the drill…” She snorted a laugh at the statement,
“…You looked like you needed help, so…I helped you out.”
“Well, thank you…Lleyton,” she said softly, grinning at his attitude. Whether it was a front or not, fake or genuine, it was still entertaining. She wished she could think the same, If I could live without a care, aye?

The beeping of his phone startled her but he thankfully didn’t notice; Damn, she was on edge today. Whatever the message said, it seemed to catch him off-guard. He peered around the airport, his brow once again furrowed slightly, before turning away from her. She snorted indignantly; he should at least excuse himself if he planned to ignore her. You can’t keep putting off this flight with idle conversation, Acacia…You’re going to have to leave eventually…
Right?

“…could I have your number?” She had been staring into space, his words jerking her back to the present. She laughed and arched an eyebrow, “I don’t think my husb-…” He cut her off, “I realise you’re married but, well, it’s at times like these that you need all the friends that you can get, right?”

“…And I’d really love to ring you up, sometime, you know… just in case…” She was glad he turned away, taking the opportunity to take a few steps back. What was she doing? If Leon could see her, she was sure he’d be upset. She couldn’t deny that at times he was a little overprotective and she liked that about him – It made her feel safe but… She couldn’t go giving out her number to random men, regardless of the bullshit he was rambling about ‘friends’. She had never had a true male friend, one that didn’t use or hurt her. Real life for her was not like the movies nor like the musicals she persistently listened to despite Leon’s dislike for them. Leon was someone special who had her best interests at heart. Lleyton was not.

The other Lycan’s mind was already on another topic however, “I’m actually here to see a guy by the name of, uh… Leon. Know anyone by that name?”

She paused, the gaze that met his eyes defensive as her mind mulled over what he had said. Did he think she was a local? Lycans did not often settle. If not, could it really be coincidence that he asked her about Leon? She could shake her head and walk away but…her curiosity was already piqued. If it was her mate they were after, she wanted to know why. Dabbling in warfare meant taking risks. She folded her arms beneath her breasts, taking a sterner stance, “Leon?” She brushed the hair from her face absently, “ If it’s a Lycan you’re looking for, the only one around here is Leon Wulfschild, alpha of a Bravado pack. They arrived here a couple nights ago, kept to themselves so far.” In truth, their pack had only arrived last night but Lleyton seemed fairly ill informed. He did seem to recognise the name however, his demeanour becoming less forlorn. She concluded from that he had not even been listening properly when she’d first introduced herself.

She smiled at his hope, wondering why the Lycan might possibly be so desperate to find her husband. If it was to try and kill Leon, she was vaguely insulted they did not send someone stronger - Her mate would not go down easily. “I’ll ring up some people and find out his location, aye? Heck, I’ll even take you there myself as thanks. Just…give me a minute to phone some contacts.” Moving away from him, she brought out her phone, glaring at the device before, with a sigh, sliding it open. The screen flashed up and she groaned silently, C’mon Acacia, Leon taught you how to do this. After many failed attempts at navigating through the menus, she made it to the ‘Contacts’ screen, hastily scrolling down to Leon. Press the green button and…it’s ringing! Nevertheless, her call went unanswered - A second failed attempt at reaching him made her worry, “Damn it.” Scrolling back up the lists of names, she clicked on Adriana’s name, her stomach twisting as the number dialled. When the Beta finally picked up, she instantly lifted the phone to her ear, trying to remove the concern from her tone.

“Hey, Adriana, is Leon there? No…He should definitely be there by now…huh?… No, he’s not answering his phone…
I guess I could but it seems kind of pointless to ring them…Yeah, I know there’s no harm in trying but…No, I guess you’re right. If Leon does make it back, tell me, ‘kay? Okay, sure, take care.”

The Beta ended the call to save Acacia the hassle and her phone returned to her wallpaper. For a few moments, she stared blankly at it. She needed Leon now, damn it. Perhaps she should take Adriana’s advice. Her fingers tapped the down button, pausing on Leon’s favoured informant, There’s no harm in trying. She remembered the last Clan conflict they had encountered, minor compared to this, but Leon had spent an excessive amount of time on the phone to this guy, tracking down his targets. The man was an expert at locating people, an invaluable contact. She pressed the green button almost reluctantly.

“Hey, I know this sounds stupid but I’m looking for Le-”

The man cut her off before she could finish, giving her specific instructions to…a club? She shook her head disbelievingly; he was out clubbing? Even stranger, it was still daytime. What the heck? Of course, her confusion faded as the informant explained the importance of the place. She thanked him for the information, allowing him to hang up. He wasn’t out clubbing, he was out there getting himself killed; I can’t leave him alone for one damn freaking second, can I? She allowed herself a few minutes for her anger to cool before returned to Lleyton. It was difficult to keep a clear head.

“Done,” she announced to the Lycan, “I can lead you to him now.” She grabbed his wrist and tugged him away from the wall, urging him onwards, “On one condition - We’ve got to be quick. Trouble’s brewing in Denver…” She wanted to reach her mate before any shit could happen.

[Flex]

Dice’s fleeting moment of confliction was interrupted by two of Joseph’s famous messengers; something about the Clan Elder, himself, needing to see her. ‘About time’, was all Dice could think, before bombarding them with a thousand questions--“why the hell am I here?”, “what’s going on with the other clans--is it true that there’s going to be a war?”, “why does the Lord require my presence?”. However, they wouldn’t take any questions--apparently Joseph was in one of his obnoxious moods; not a surprise, he was constantly in an obnoxious mood, and, well… Joseph was known for spilling the blood of those who wouldn’t cooperate with him; Dice was completely aware that in his mind, her blood was worthless enough to be spilled, and… perhaps he would answer some of her questions himself? The possibility was minuscule; impossibly tiny, however… it was a possibility, regardless.

So, Dice--having changed into a lime-green kimono that elegantly clothed her slender form--began the long walk to Joseph’s office, discreetly following two of his obedient lackey. Their very presence was somewhat comical, Joseph was known to bite off their heads on a daily basis and the painful result was a group of very broken vampires; easily pained and constantly speaking with a sliver of fear in their voices. Joseph was their lord; their Elder… almost their God--they would die for Joseph, they would kill themselves, let every single drop of their blood seep out of their veins… just to please them. It wasn’t as if Dice disrespected Joseph completely--after all, she did consider him to be a great leader, regardless of his horrifying track record for cruelty--but still… dying for a single individual? There was no honour behind it; it was a completely shameless and selfish act.

Dying in a war, on the other hand was a completely different matter. Dice would love to fight in a war… to die for her clan. It was, in a way, the very essence of being part of a clan; obviously Marissa had never been able to understand such things. Dice could still recall how the previous female Alpha of Sanguine had snapped at her, back in the lumberyard; how she had threatened her. It had been a horrendously humiliating moment back then and time hadn’t tarnished its embarrassment in the slightest.

The Manhattan Stronghold was glorious; an elegant building, it stretched out on many floors--it was more of a mansion, than a stronghold, really. However, Dice wasn’t surprised--Joseph was notorious for his fine taste; after all, the man had seen it all--he had been alive for, what, five hundred years now? He was living proof of the Renaissance, one of the most… glorious and romantic periods in history; the art, the science, the literature. Dice, on the other hand, was proof of other more… darker aspects of history; it suddenly all came back to her--the propaganda, the cruelty, the red and she felt a sharp chill run up her spine. Shuddering, she quickly looked over her shoulder, just in case… but there was nobody there. Even as a vampire, the fear and paranoia was impossible to escape.

What seemed like a thousand minutes later, Dice found herself being shoved into the face of some receptionist and lead to the door that she knew would open to reveal Joseph’s office; why did he require her presence? Dice was suddenly hit by a bundle of nerves as she ran her fingers over the sleek doorknob; it was sculpted out of porcelain--a piece of perfection, pretty much like everything else in the stronghold; it sang of class, of treasures that Dice would never truly understand. She took a deep breath, closing her eyes for the briefest of seconds, before swinging it open.

It was that vampire again.

Luke. That vampire who had, who had… never spoken to her before. ‘No’, Dice told herself, ‘I have never met this… man before’. However, Dice couldn’t bring herself to talk--she just knew that her voice would creak, or that she would lose her temper. The bundles of nerves that lay in knots in her guts began to multiply--by tens, by hundreds, by thousands. Dice could feel her lungs began to collapse in her chest, her knees began to shake… what the hell was happening to her? She was… completely falling apart. No way would she let this… this sleaze… do this to her.

“I guess you weren’t able to understand what I told you, before,” Dice suddenly found herself telling the older vampire; she had resumed that deadly calm she had found inside herself, back outside her ‘cell’. “You see,” Dice laughed softly, slowly walking towards Luke, “I have this thing where I feel that I am obligated to be polite to people; I guess I shouldn’t. In the future I’ll just be downright rude to you; because…you deserve it and, you know what? I’m going to be downright rude to you right now,” Dice paused for a second; this was the moment--the moment she had perhaps been waiting for her entire vampire life; to hurt someone, to drop that façade of politeness… of manners that her mother had instilled into her, back when she was a child… it seemed like a thousand years ago, in retrospect.

So, she stood in front of the older vampire--the elder, with the power and the charm--the elder who had intercepted her attacks, back in the corridor and who had made a move for her breasts. The other who she had considering killing a few moments before. The other who stared at her, possibly not even listening to anything she was saying, his eyes running up and down the intricate patterns of her kimono.

The other who she would love to kill… right here, right now.

“I suppose you brought me here, believing that I’d consummate with you? I’m young--you’re old, and you supposedly have some sort of power over me?” Dice felt a grimace grow over her lips, she dropped her gaze to the floor for a second, before bringing her eyes back to meet Luke’s. “However, there’s a problem,” she told the other quietly, “we will not be playing any bedroom games; if I could have it my way, we wouldn’t even be talking,” Dice laughed, leaning on a single foot. “You see grandpa,” she heard her voice rise, “I’m not even interested in you--so you can dream about me, you can reminisce having the chance to touch these,” she brought her hands to her breasts and lavishly cupped them, “because you will never touch them again.”

A sinister silence stretched over the room and Dice slowly brought her hands from her breasts; the last few minutes ran by her… what had she been thinking? “I…” Dice began suddenly, her mouth running dry, “I…” She had just insulted an older vampire, a vampire of potentially indescribable power. Dice closed her mouth and opened it again to speak, however she was interrupted by a soft chuckle--and it wasn’t from Luke.

Her heart plummeted; there was a third party in the room… in Luke’s presence, she had completely failed to recognise that… to realise that… Dice slowly turned around, to meet the cynical gaze of Joseph. “My lord.”

[Heirosyth]

After their dinner at the Fourth Estate at the National Press Club, Lucius took Lilith and Hector to a secret location outside of City limits where they would be inducted into Clan Conzetta before three members of the Council of Twelve.

The chamber was a dark one, with the three Council members' faces shadowed out of reach of the circular overhead illumination that lit up Lilith and Hector's faces. Before them was a table, and upon that table were two flasks of dark crimson liquid in elegantly shaped glass. Lucius stood beside Lilith on her left, with Hector on her right.

The one sitting at the center of the semi-circle table, facing them with its ends pointed towards them, addressed them for the Council:

"Welcome, Lilith Jira and Hector Roy, to Clan Conzetta. Your decision to join us as valued members of our Clan is greatly welcome. Your journey is nearly complete, and shall be concluded upon the ritual consumption of our Clan's blood."

Lucius took this moment to speak up and address both inductees: "This is the final rite of initiation. With this glass, you will drink the blood of Clan Conzetta and become one of us. Your own blood will change to align with that of ours, and you will now be identifiable to the others within our clan as one of our own. Every member must do this. Once you have partaken of our blood, you are inducted as a full member. You will be given access to your own funds, weapons, and accessories, as well as given a list of contacts who will be assigned to you." It was the same speech that he had given to Marissa, and the same one that he had given to every inductee that he had ever brought into the Clan.

Lucius and the three Council members looked on as Lilith and Hector stepped forward and took the flasks, lifting to their lips and drinking them fully. The three Council members, as well as some who were in attendance in the shadows behind the inductees and Lucius all applauded as they finished the drink.

"Welcome Lilith Jira and Hector Roy, our newest members," the central Council member announced, standing up and raising his hands.

"You will be given new codenames, and while you are free to use your old names in casual conversation among members, we require that on all communications with other sources you adhere to your codenames. The codenames may be of your choosing, or we can choose them for you."

"Before this Council, you must choose your codenames," Lucius instructed, "so that they may be a matter of official record within the Clan."

Once Lilith and Hector had revealed their new names before the Council, Lucius bade them exit the chamber, and that he would be with them straight. While they were outside, the guards gave them phones and debit cards with a certain balance allotment on each one. They patted them down and confiscated any of their own communication devices and any other equipment that might be used to track their positions by other clans from their previous loyalities. "I'm sorry, but this is necessary."

These devices were unceremoniously destroyed by appropriate blunt objects in the form of hammers that was slightly reminiscent of a Gallagher show.

The Vampire Lord Elder of Conzetta remained behind to instruct the Council on the whereabouts of Codename: Melisandra Vixen. Once the doors of the sound-proof chamber had been closed once more with guards set to watch them, the meeting, brief as it was, continued...

"I recommend that the Council contact a cadre of our members to rendezvous with her on her journey back..."

"You're certain of these occurrences?"

"Yes. I believe that it's obvious that there are repercussions for the actions that Joseph has taken, and while nothing is certain, given recent observations by our contacts, Bravado has been mobilized."

"You're risking much with this intervention into their affairs."

"Much must be risked in war," the Thirteenth Member of the Council of Twelve responded.

"You think she will do it?"

Lucius nodded, "I know her reasons for leaving. This will give her the chance and opportunity to seek a ... personal kind of vengeance. Given the contingent of members we'll be sending with her, we can be sure that she will not turn her back on the mission without consequences."

"Joseph is powerful; and rivals you in years. You are aware of Sanguine's power..."

"I am ever aware of it. But we will not be fighting Joseph if all goes according to plan."

"The Bravado..."

"Yes, and our intel confirms that their Clan has been tapped to do what must be done."

"You believe they can?"

"My information on Wulfschild indicates that he is a veteran of several conflicts and that he's a bigger lycan than any of the others I've ever encountered. Joseph will be forced to deal with him whether he wants to or not."

The Council members looked at each other and nodded in unison.

"Then Conzetta will oversee that the Lycan is able to take his shot at Joseph."

Lucius nodded. "The readiness is all. For now, I depart to press our position with Joseph."

As the Vampire Elder turned to leave, the central Council Member addressed him: "He won't be compliant. You know this."

Halting his steps and looking back over his shoulder, Lucius smiled, "No, I think he will be..."

"How?"

"Just be ready to back me up when I give you the signal."

The three members glanced at each other and nodded. "The Council will be ready."

************************************************** ***

Emerging from the meeting chambers, Lucius led the two new recruits away into the night.

Walking with them underneath the clear cold pre-dawn sky illuminated by the distant glow of the City lights, Lucius made plain his intentions, and what he wished them to do...

"Hector; your cool and calm collected manner has not gone unnoticed in my eyes, and as such, I am giving you a mission that will send you into the 'lion's den' so to speak." Lucius noted the slight raising of the lycan's eyebrow as he tilted his eyes towards the Vampire Lord.

"I need a message delivered personally to Joseph," Lucius explained, "The Elder of Clan Sanguine. His headquarters is in Manhatten as you no doubt realize. When you get there, give him this."

The Vampire Lord handed Hector another phone, one that only had enough minutes on it to play back one message one time.

"Have him press the "1" key, and listen to the message. Our readings will indicate the location where this message is listened to, so if you fail and someone else picks it up somewhere, we will know."

"It is also well-known that Joseph detests lycans, so be on your guard."

"If you carry out the mission successfully, Joseph should leave you in one piece, and allow you to walk out intact. If not..." Lucius raised an eyebrow of his own, "... well, you're a survivor. I'm sure you'll be fine."

They approached a street where a taxi-cab was just pulling up in the pre-dawn twilight. "This cab will take you to the train station. From there you will go straight to New York. You have 24 hours to complete this task. Once finished, contact me via the contact list on the phone you've been given, and I will inform you of where to go next."

As the car service driver opened the back door for his passenger, Lucius put his hand on the lycan's shoulder and looked him in the eyes. "Good luck, Hector. The blessings of Conzetta go with you."

As soon as Hector was in and the cab sped away, Lucius noted the rosy fingers of Dawn peeking over the horizon.

"Can you handle the bright rays of the sun, Lilith, or shall we go somewhere safer?" Lucius turned towards her with deep blue eyes and took her hand, leading her on. "Come, I have things I need to say to you before..."

The Elder stopped suddenly, as if deep in thought, lowing his head and pursing his lips. For a moment it was if all the world had gone silent. Then he turned to her again and quickly smiled, squeezing her hand gently and then tilted his head in the direction they were walking.

"Come..." he said finally.

************************************************** *******

Marissa's phone rang suddenly.

When she answered it, a male voice spoke on the other end.

"Melisandra Vixen, I am calling in regards to your first assignment. You are to prepare yourself for a mission. This mission has a high probability of conflict, so you will need to arm yourself with weapons. Locations of Conzetta dealers are being uploaded now to your phone. You will be set to rendezvous with a cadre of Conzetta mercenaries in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania at the Hotel Hershey. These members will accompany you on your journey to New York. Do not hesitate to inform the Council of any new information or occurrences that you notice on the way. We will be watching you. If all goes well, you should be in very little danger. Given the circumstances of this assignment, we are aware that you may have second-thoughts about this course of action, but let us assure you that the mercenary team has been given explicit orders from the Council to keep you alive through the conclusion of this mission. Go with the blessings of Conzetta."

With that, the call was ended abruptly. It was so professional that it almost sounded like a recording, but it left little doubt as to what Marissa was supposed to do now, and who it most likely involved...

[StormWolf]

Like a predator, he watched the cattle walk into what they thought was a safe-haven, but was in truth a slaughterhouse. In that building a spawn of the devil made his home. Leon's eyes narrowed, the iris' that feral fiery color. It was time to get his hands dirty.

The Bravado Alpha walked up to the door, getting stopped by a bouncer's firm hand on his shoulder. The man was slightly shorter than Leon, but had shoulders just as wide, giving him a dwarfish appearance that was complimented by his Cro-Magnon brow.

"You think you can just walk in there, pal? You on the list?" Leon looked down at the man, yellow eyes met brown. Judging by the sound of the man's heart beating faster, he was a human, likely a bitch to the Sanguine.

"I should be. Check." Leon said deeply, nodding at the clip-board. While the stocky man checked the list, Leon looked over to the other bouncer who was picking his teeth. The sounds irritated Leon greatly. His breathing is annoying. Make it stop. The Tormentor growled. Leon obeyed and drove his powerful fist into the second bouncer's throat, crushing the windpipe shut.

The first bouncer started, looking at his comrade stumbling to the asphalt, mouth agape, body flailing. He reached for the pistol strapped to his hip, but only found the empty holster. Leon had the gun, driving the barrel into the man's mouth, keen ears picking up the crunching noise of teeth breaking.

"You are not to say a word. You are to run until your feet bleed, and then keep running. If you call the police or alert any form of security, I will wear the eyes of your children as beads." Leon said with an eerie calm in his voice. He removed the gun and watched the stocky man run like an Olympic sprinter.

Once inside, Leon stuffed the 9mm behind his belt and made his way to the bar. The club was surprisingly occupied for this hour. The bartender asked what Leon wanted, and he ordered a shot. After a few refills, Leon slammed the shot glass rim down on the counter. The alcohol was doing it's job, feeding that fire in his belly

"You're a new face 'round here." a raspy feminine voice said. Leon turned to see a pant-suit with glasses. She looked like a damned school teacher. Those eyes were cold, thought, and she smelled like death. Vampire. A vampire feeding on kids.... was there any decency anymore?

"I'm looking for someone..." he quirked an eyebrow at her, "not you." She chuckled and pressed herself against Leon, her hand running over his thigh.

"You sure?" she chuckled. "Maybe I can help you.... for the proper payment." Leon sighed.

"Jacob, the owner of this joint. And what kind of payment?" The Alpha turned, looking into the woman's eyes. She smiled and dragged her tongue over Leon's scar.

"He's in the VIP room with some friends. I can get you in there.... if you don't mind helping me.... limber up." she pulled a card key out from in-between her cleavage.

"So, you will get me in there if I fuck your brains out?" Leon asked with a slightly amused face that could be taken for interest. The vampire woman made a lusty moan in the back of her throat.

"Mmm... yes." Leon scratched his chin in thought. He stood and pulled the vampire to him, grabbing a fistful of hair and pulling her head back. "Ah! You are a rough one." Leon smiled, laughing with a cold madness.

"You have no idea." Leon slammed the vampire's face into the bar, the shot glass vanishing into her eye socket and her skull changed shape under the force. Her head was sunken into the counter, her body twitching from the sudden shock of her brain being lacerated. She would die in about half an hour.

"Hey! What the fuck is your-" the bartender stormed over yelling, but twin thunderclaps from the pistol Leon swiped shut him up for good. The common patrons started to panic. Screaming and rushing for the door, the Sanguine security raising Mp5's and letting the submachine guns fire through the milling crowd. Leon rolled over the bar and took cover. He waited for the fire to stop before popping up from cover and fired at the vampiric security. These lead slugs wouldn't do shit, but it still hurt and it still made them stumble. When his gun ran out, Leon started tossing liqueur bottles at them. When they started firing again, Leon went back to cover, he could hear them approaching as they drew nearer. Searching frantically about the shelves beneath the bar, Leon found a lighter used to set the surface of some high alcohol drinks aflame or give a smoker a light. Taking the lighter, Leon zipped the flame on, standing once the security guards started reloading.

"Fry, you bastards." Leon said calmly as he tossed the lighter at their alcohol drenched bodies, setting them on fire, screaming. They dropped their guns and tried frantically to put out the flames. Picking up one of the Mp5's and a fresh clip, the Alpha headed upstairs after taking the card key from the dead vampire woman's bosom.


The door swung open, two bursts of repeater fire sent the two guards to the ground writhing as the silver decomposed them from the inside. There sat Jacob, surrounded by four women.

"I am giving the ladies three seconds to get out. Jacob and I need to have a little chat." The women didn't move.

"Cut the crap, doggy. I know who you are. You are too soft to shoot-" a burst of gunfire interrupted Jacob, splashing his face and bare chest with the blood and brains of the hooker closest to him. "JEEZUS!!"

"GET OUT! Don't think I won't shoot all of you." The remaining young women scampered out the door, weeping out of utter terror.

"What do you want, Leon? Money? Power?" Jacob stammered, his confidence completely gone. Leon set the submachine gun down on a chair and before Jacob, holding the young vampire's face so that it had to look into those wild eyes of the Bravado Alpha.

"I want only one thing from you, Jacob." Leon said in a calm tone. The whelp smiled and laughed. Leon sneered at the smell of urine that wafted from Jacob just then.

"N-name it, big guy. You got it." Jacob's confidence started to come back, but it fell again as he saw Leon's teeth become wolfen and his nails become claws of black, their tips digging into his face, drawing blood.

"I want you to scream, and to cry." Leon growled as his claws and fangs got to work on the soft flesh that was Jacob.

[Kirra]

Even as Joseph sent for Dice, Luke started to think it was a mistake to ask Joseph for anything. It wasn't that he didn't want to see the girl again. It was just that the cynical vampire had never really given anything away. Luke had a feeling there was a request coming. And of course, Joseph didn't disappoint.

Joseph had things that needed done. He never was outright with his words. 'Why don't you just say you want me to kill some people. Damn can't you ever just say what you want?' Luke would love to tell his old friend these things, but he knew better than to insult this man. It wasn't that Luke feared him, he just didn't want to be attacked on a daily basis. But what Joseph said next nearly stumped him.

One of the major differences between the 500 year old vampires was their value of life. Luke had always considered every life to be unique and valuable. On the other hand, Joseph had always seen life as a commodity that he could use and discard as he saw fit. And now he offered the young vampire as payment. Did he consider her worth so little? And even thought he hated to admit it, Luke had the urge to agree to this deal. If nothing else, he could get the girl away from the twisted man. Luke smirked at the thought of keeping her. "Well I don't know about that." He tried to ignore the comment about crushing her spirit.

The smile left Luke's face as he continued to talk. "Before she gets in here, I think there is something you should have." Luke pulled out the letter that had started this trip. He walked over to the elder vampire and placed it in his hand, still griping the corner. "Don't do anything rash at least until we talk. Before we decide what to do, I would like you to explain things to me." He waited for Joseph to agree to his terms before Luke released the letter. "I have heard some interesting rumors flying around the clans." Luke shrugged slightly. "I guess that's what I get for not staying with a clan." In truth, he had avoided getting to involved with the clans over the last hundred years. But even with his limited knowledge of their actions, Luke wasn't really surprised that a things had turned sour between the families.

Luke was about to continue speaking when he heard light steps in the distance. 'Joseph sure like speedy results.' The two waited as the small vampire made her way to the door and walked in. Luke wondered if Joseph could hear the heavy nervous breath that she took before entering. As Dice entered the room she froze in place. The combined look fear, anger, and embarrassment surged in her eyes. Luke knew she wouldn't lash out in front of Joseph, and hoped that once they where away from him, she would let him apologize. Luke couldn't help but notice the amazing attire that Dice wore. A lime-green kimono that looked like it was made just for her, which it probably was. The design kept drawling him in. It made her slender form look even better.

Luke was almost to distracted to hear Dice start going off on him. But when your his age, it's hard to miss a detail. He could barely get a word in. "Consummate? But I... Wait, Grandpa?" What did she mean by that? Did she really think so low of him? And why would she act like this with Joseph in the room? 'Wait, does she now Joseph is in here?' Luke then thought of how she entered the room. Looking directly at Luke, Dice walked strait up to him. She never looked around the room, and Joseph would have been just out of here sight. Luke had forgotten how easily young vampires could miss things. "Um, Dice." But she wouldn't stop.

But after her rant subsided, Dice attitude changed drastically. She started to stutter and her body was beginning to shake. Had she noticed her mistake? No. She was upset, but didn't have the look of terror that Joseph inspired in his men. Luke look past the girl seeing the smile come to the other elders face, a bit of a chuckle coming out. 'Crap crap crap. That's never a good sign.' The look finally came to the young vampires face just before she turned to him.

Luke kept running ideas through his head, trying to figure out what would keep this little vamp from being hurt. But the only thing he could think of might make her hate him more. He had to do it to protect her. Luke let out a hardy laugh and walked up beside Dice. He wrapped his arm around her to her far shoulder. "You're right about that spirit. Wow, I almost thought I would fall over from laughter. And what a nice body too." 'God I hate myself right now.' "You know, I think I will take that offer. But hey, we can talk business later. You just let me know when you get that read and we can talk about what we should do. Until then, I think I am going to take this girl out for a bite to eat. She looks famished." Well maybe flush was a better word, but anything to get her away from Joseph. If he pulled this off well enough; hopefully his old friend would forget the situation, or at least ignore it.

[Mysteria]

In Aspen

Marissa had slept a peaceful slumber for the first time in longer than she could even remember. When she had finally awoken it was already late into the morning hours. Standing and stretching Marissa wrapped the large over sized robe around her completely naked body. That was something else she hadn't done in years either. Sleeping naked. After having suffered so much abuse by the deranged Joseph and never knowing quite when he would slip into her bedroom at the Sanguine fortress she had grown accustomed to making sure she never went without clothing unless she was in the shower and even then she always made sure to lock the door even though the bathroom had been located in her private bedroom. Marissa was beginning to see that there were many things she would have the freedom to do now that she wasn't under Josephs thumb any more. She only wished and hoped that Iris would somehow find a way to get away from the bastard now.

As Marissa moved to the kitchen to make a pot of coffee she couldn't help but think of the young vampiress Dice who had been at the lumber yard with her. She knew that she was strong but she was still so young even by vampire standards and although she knew Dice had felt a strong sense of loyalty to the idea of a clan there were still so many things the girl had yet to learn. Marissa heaved a heavy sigh. Perhaps she had been too hard on the vampiress but there was no sense in dwelling on it now. Marissa was done with yesterday’s regrets. She could only hope that Dice would realize all there was to know about Joseph before it was to late for her, before he got enough control over her to blind her to the fact that he was sadistic and an unethical killer. Joseph didn't just kill for what he needed in order to survive. The truth was most vampires no longer needed to kill just to survive as so many other means had become available although some still hungered for the taste of fresh warm human blood. Joseph killed because his mind was twisted.

After a light breakfast Marissa dressed what appeared to be warmly for a human out in the cool crisp Colorado air while in reality the cold affected her little. Having found a stable that rented out horses Marissa did the one thing she had always wanted to do. She went riding in the snow up a mountain trail. How she wished Iris could be here! She really needed to get in touch with her friend and see how things were going since her departure from Sanguine. Marissa made a mental note to contact Iris when she got back to the chalet but for now she just wanted to enjoy the beautiful scenery surrounding her.

Much to Marissa's delight snow began to fall while she was on her ride. Marissa spurred the horse into a gallop and a smile broke out across her fair featured face. She could feel the black stallion’s power surging beneath her as he ran. It was freedom for both her and the horse. Galloping full force across the snow covered mountain trail gave both steed and rider a sense of freedom that seemed to only come from being one with nature. Marissa found it exhilarating to be out in the wide open spaces. The stallion’s feet kicked up snow as it ran, while Marissa laughed out loud into the silence of the snow covered hills. It was with a sense of deep regret that she finally turned the horse around and headed back to the stables. The horse was tiring. Marissa could sense it and because she had the utmost respect for animals she didn't want to push the magnificent creature too far.

Having taken the horse back to the stable Marissa returned to the chalet taking her time to enjoy the landscape as she made the walk back. There was no sense of hurry here, there was only time. There was time to enjoy the majestic views of Aspen and time to enjoy her freedom since she had no idea how soon the council would be calling on her. Marissa would enjoy to the fullest whatever time she had before having to get back to her duties in Conzetta, whatever they might be.

After changing from the heavy layers of clothing Marissa built a fire in the massive fireplace of the chalet. She didn't really need it for warmth, she just enjoyed the sounds of the wood crackling, the scent of the wood burning and being able to stare into the flames as they flickered in brilliant hues of gold and red.

Picking up the phone she called Iris. Marissa was as delighted to hear Iris's voice as she could tell Iris was also delighted to hear from her old friend. "Iris! It's Marissa. I was afraid you wouldn't recognize the number because there had only been the two texts but thanks for picking up. Listen, I'm sorry for leaving so abruptly and for not being in touch sooner. How are things?" Iris sounded truly happy and the two chatted for quite some time exchanging information and catching up. Marissa figured things at Sanguine had become unbearable after she had made her departure and finding out that Iris had managed to get away for awhile eased her mind greatly although it still seemed like Iris's future was up in the air. Marissa heard on the other end of the line "Sol...England..Sanguine.."

Iris was so excited and feeding Marissa information so fast Marissa had to pay close attention to what she was saying. Marissa caught every word though and hated the idea of Iris still having to be involved with Joseph in any way no matter how remote it might be. That's when the idea hit Marissa. Maybe Iris would want to join her in Clan Conzetta. Marissa knew Sol wouldn't go for the idea because Sol really had little to fear from Joseph. He was strong enough and had been around long enough to fend for his self. It was the females under Joseph’s rule that Marissa worried the most about. And given the fact that Iris sounded so happy with Sol Marissa doubted she would accept the offer but she had to at least ask her old friend.

When Marissa presented the idea to Iris of converting Iris had thanked her declining but did say that she would be willing to be an ally for Conzetta. Marissa smiled as she learned that it seemed many people were gunning for the Elder Joseph. Indeed his days of rule over Sanguine seemed to be drawing near but even that knowledge hadn't made Marissa regret her decision to leave. Although she knew little about Stephen she knew that Sebastian would have approved. Marissa informed Iris that she would pass the information on to the council and that Iris should expect to soon be contacted by the council if they accepted her offer of helping Conzetta. The two friends hung up and just as Marissa was getting ready to text Stephen her phone rang. The only persons to have her number other than Iris would be Clan Conzetta so she answered it.

Marissa heard a male voice on the other end.

"Melisandra Vixen, I am calling in regards to your first assignment. You are to prepare yourself for a mission. This mission has a high probability of conflict, so you will need to arm yourself with weapons. Locations of Conzetta dealers are being uploaded now to your phone. You will be set to rendezvous with a cadre of Conzetta mercenaries in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania at the Hotel Hershey. These members will accompany you on your journey to New York. Do not hesitate to inform the Council of any new information or occurrences that you notice on the way. We will be watching you. If all goes well, you should be in very little danger. Given the circumstances of this assignment, we are aware that you may have second-thoughts about this course of action, but let us assure you that the mercenary team has been given explicit orders from the Council to keep you alive through the conclusion of this mission. Go with the blessings of Conzetta."

Marissa flipped the phone shut. It was time to do her job and to show the Clan what she was capable of. It was time to regain her Alpha status within her new clan. This would be one step closer to bringing her to obtaining her goal. Marissa scrolled through the numbers on her phone until she found the pre-programmed number for Stephen and created a brief text message to send him regarding Iris which read:

Iris Aysel of Clan Sanguine is willing to be an ally for Conzetta in the demise of Joseph Hammerstein. Her assistance could be invaluable. She is trustworthy.

Marissa included the number where Iris could be reached and hit send then dialed the Aspen airport to make arrangements for a one way ticket to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. There would be no need to make arrangements at The Hotel Hershey as it would already be taken care of by the council.

Marissa spent the rest of the afternoon curled up by the fire jotting notes on what she would need to pick up upon her arrival in Harrisburg and formulating a plan in her mind. Although the caller hadn't said specifically what her task would be Marissa felt it in the pit of her stomach. She knew what was coming and what to expect. Her blood coursed through her with revived vitality.

Melisandra Vixen walked over to the large window and stared out as the sun set low casting its orange and golden glow across the pristine snow covered mountains of Aspen.

It was time.

[Stream]

All the travel Lucius had been sending Hector on was killing him. The dreamliner was nice and all; but fuck, he had driven to Denver, flown to Maryland, and was now on his way to New York City to meet one of the most sadistic and infamous bastards known among his kind, all in the course of three days. Its seems the moment Lucius had confronted Hector and Lilith that night in Denver, everything had gone downhill. Hector had been given a new identity, new clothing, with anything bearing a unique resemblance to him being confiscated and replaced by Conzetta. Even with Lucius' parting words he could tell that Hector himself would be easily replaced in the likely event Joseph was hungry. Though he had to admit, Conzetta knew what they were doing.

His transition from car to train was flawless; absolutely no hitches and waiting in line. Even his debit card was working perfectly, allowing him to order drinks and snacks aboard the train without worry of his pockets running dry. It was nice, really. Normally he was accustomed to someone else in Valentine ordering for him like he was a child. With his relatively light dinner leaving him unsatisfied, Hector had already eaten two rueben sandwiches, a third one half eaten in front of him, the mere sight of it giving him an uneasy feeling. This wasn't any help with the already intense nervous feeling bubbling in his chest. Just thinking about being in the Sanguine stronghold, face to face with Joseph himself made his heart race. The lycan began to take several big gulps of his ice water, the numbing effect stopping the beating, for now.

Deciding that he would find consolation in Conzetta by meeting other members, Hector decided to scroll through his cell phone contacts, reading off each service offered to him.

"Travel… tailor… emergency… protection… ~L? Let's try this one." He said, dialing out to "travel".

Immediately the other line connected, a sweet sounding young woman speaking from the other line.

"Mr. Roy. May I help you?" she said, taking Hector by surprise.

"You know my name? Just like that? My number's memorized by you guys or something?"

"No, nothing like that. All cell phones in use by Conzetta members are linked directly back to the owner. Meaning, if you dial out to one of our services, your name automatically shows up on our caller ID."

"Is that static to each phone? Like, you can track if somebody steals another member's cellphone?"

"In the event that another's cellphone is stolen and the thief dials out to one of our services with the now delinquent number, it will be immediately black listed and the location will be tracked."

Hector moaned in annoyance, realizing his plan to find and eavesdrop on Lucius' contacts ended there.

"Fuck. Well, are you able to tell me of any recent Conzetta members traveling in the New York City area, or who will be arriving there soon?"

"There's several, actually. Did you have anyone in particular, or were you told to look up this information?"

"I'm just a curious sort. I'm asking out of my own accord. Send me all of the contacts you can to my phone. Preferably in text form."

The immediate cold feeling of humiliation washed over Hector as he realized they couldn't be sent any other way. He smacked his phone shut, hanging up on the young woman. Within seconds the text had been sent to him. He sat scrolling through his three new contacts, adding each one to his phone. One name in particular caught his eye; Melisandra Vixen.

"Melisandra Vixen. Sounds like a stripper's name." He paused for a moment before immediately adding it to his speed-dial.

-------------------------------------------------

Hector calculated that he had been traveling for a total of eighteen hours over the past couple of days. As he moved past the security checkpoints of the Sanguine stronghold, his joints loosened up for the first time since Denver. He didn't know if it was just his eyes or nerves, but everything inside of the building seemed to have a red tint to it, adding an eerie look to the dimmed lights. Conzetta once again delivered flawlessly; the security had expected him and pointed him down winding hallways towards Joseph. Even when there were no guards in plain sight, Hector still had the dark feeling that every movement he made was being watched. It was the same feeling Lucius gave him.

Now following the sound of voices and what seemed like yelling, Hector approached an open corridor; his figure coming in to view of the people on the other side.

[Anne Bonny]

"Iris! It's Marissa. I was afraid you wouldn't recognize the number because there had only been the two texts but thanks for picking up. Listen, I'm sorry for leaving so abruptly and for not being in touch sooner. How are things?"

At the sound of her dearest friend's voice, Iris couldn't help but beam. "Marissa! I was hoping it was you!" she exclaimed. Indigo eyes remained focused on the road ahead as she steered Sol's Mercedes onto the interstate, but her mind was everywhere else.

"Things are great here, really great. I've just dropped Sol off at the airport. He's going to England. He's... Oh Mar! I have so much to tell you!"

Iris went over everything in a flurry of girlish delight. Well, nearly everything. She left out the details of the previous night. But after so many conversations the girls had in the past, after Iris had moaned to her friend so many times about her longing for her superior, she couldn't contain her joy of finally aquiring his attentions.

"He's so amazing," she gushed. "And now he's off to England to start his trials as an Elder. He wants to replace Joseph!"

To Iris' delight her friend seemed truly happy for her. Marissa also shared her news about Conzetta, and extended an invitation that she do the same. "I stand with Sol, you know that," Iris replied gently. "Thanks though, really. And don't worry about me while he's gone, either. Joseph has never looked twice at me, and as a lowly soldier, it's easy enough to stay out of his way. I promise I'll be careful. But..."

Iris adjusted the rear view mirror to better suit her height. "But I'll do anything I can to help you take Joseph down. We can still be allies even if we're not clan mates."

Marissa agreed and gave some information about who might contact her from Conzetta. "I'll be here if they need me," Iris promised. "And Mar... take care of yourself too, okay?"

-----------------------------

Lucius turned towards her with deep blue eyes and took her hand, leading her on. "Come, I have things I need to say to you before..."

The Elder stopped suddenly, as if deep in thought, lowing his head and pursing his lips. For a moment it was if all the world had gone silent. Then he turned to her again and quickly smiled, squeezing her hand gently and then tilted his head in the direction they were walking.

"Come..." he said finally.

It was the silence that drew Lilith's eyes from Hector's departing cab to meet Lucius' gaze. Her eyes narrowed, searching his for some sign of what he had stopped himself from saying. More secrets, Lucius? she wondered. There was something in his voice that was... concerning.

With her heart beginning to pound in her chest, Lilith nodded and squeezed his hand in agreement.

[Auki]

The journey to the club took longer than expected, the sun sinking behind the horizon as they hurried down street after street, dodging down alleys in an attempt to swiften their arrival. All that anger she had felt well up was now suppressed, gone cold, numbed beneath a stony expression so as not to distract her from her goal. He’s attacking at night. That’s what the informant said. Her and Lleyton exchanged casual conversation – She was honest about everything except for her husband’s identity. She was too tired to fabricate a background for herself and nothing she disclosed could be used against her regardless. Her pregnancy did not come up, of course – She was enjoying the little time she had left until her stomach grew to reveal that detail for her.

As she neared the club, the stench of blood hit her, quickening her pace. She did hesitate to approach the building – If Leon was as pissed off as she expected, the people instead would either be dying or would have fled. She gritted her teeth as she stepped over the corpse of what presumably had been the bouncer, eyes staring blankly up at her, outstretched hand twitching even in death. What had he done wrong, ‘ey, Leon? From the look of it, he was only doing his job…He’s done nothing against you…

She did not stop though, entering the club silently, Lleyton following in behind her. She did not look at him or talk to him; she just hoped he realised what he was getting himself into. Even she, somewhat prepared from previous fights of Leon’s, felt her stomach twist. Her ears caught muted screams, dampened by the gurgling of blood-filled mouths. Her eyes were instantly drawn to the convulsing body of a woman, lying across the bar, misshapen head trembling with each jolt. Acacia could almost take pity on her. Reaching inside her jacket, she withdrew both her knifes, the only weapons she currently carried on her and approached the bar. Her actions were swift – Twisting the women’s head on its side, she jammed one of the knives through the soft part at the back of the head, the other knife shoved vertically in the neck just beneath the chin. The body began to still, twitching a couple times and Acacia waited. Her eyes trailed to the shot glass embedded where her eye should have been before her nose finally picked up the scent of her husband on the vampire's delicate hands. She spat at the bitch’s feet, withdrawing her knives with a grunt of annoyance and suppressing her thoughts before they could wonder where exactly those hands had been on her mate. I don’t have time to take pity on whores, damn it… She needed to find Leon.

A scream rose above the rest and Acacia dismissed the pleading voices of the dying around her as she searched for its source. The VIP suite… The informant had been right. Leon was after Jacob. She blamed herself for not taking him seriously earlier – she thought she had more time to convince him of the stupidity of his plan. A growl rose in her throat, Time to right the wrong. If she was lucky, Jacob was already dead. Otherwise…

She did not re-sheath her knifes, sprinting upstairs with an elegance to match any vampire’s. The door was already open and there he was, her husband towering over the mutilated figure of his victim, the vampire still screaming, still alive. Leon’s face was not one of remorse. If she did not know him better, she would say he was enjoying it. He looked possessed – Her husband so obsessed in his torturing that he failed to notice her overlooking the scene. A stab of concern made her pause in her tracks but she subdued it. This was not the bedroom and now was not the time for loving notions and petty lover’s quarrels. She was not here to act as his wife but as the comrade she had once been to him. She didn’t care if he resented her for it – She would not allow such behaviour to continue. What did he do wrong, ‘ey, Leon? The kid’s not even done anything against us.

She moved and within moments she was between the pair, catching Leon’s wrist as his hand moved to rip out Jacob’s eyes, bringing it to a halt beside her thigh. With her other arm, she punched Leon in the face, slamming her fist into his cheek with as much force as she could manage. Her eyes glinted amber, burning with cold anger. She released his other arm from her grip as he stumbled back, looking stunned to see her standing there.

She ignored him, turning to the vampire that lay writhing before here. His blood seeped over the floor and he screamed again as he tried to move his arm. It was clearly fractured but Jacob continued to try and shift it, choking on the blood that filled his mouth as he attempted to cry out again. His eyes found her standing over him and widened in terror as they noticed her fangs, a hysterical whimpering escaping his lips. The damage was too grave, both to his mind and his body.

I don’t want to…I swear, I really don’t want to but…

Her foot came down, crushing his windpipe and snapping his spine, silencing him instantly. She stood still.
She had killed before, when she had to, to stop enemies and abusive lovers alike. She knew that some of the murders could have been avoided, that some should have been and she had dealt with that guilt for the years following her actions. Once, she had stabbed a vampire for little reason at all, unable to deal with the petty insults the bitch was directing at her. With weapons, high-strung emotions and a Clan built for experienced warriors, she was not afraid of conflict. She was almost used to death.

This was the first time, however, she had had to save someone from her own husband. She kicked over Jacob’s corpse so she did not have to look at his face. Her mouth was dry, her hands trembling slightly, but otherwise she was calm. She faced her husband, running her eyes over his blood-soaked clothes – The scent was mixed with that of perfume, forcing back the image of the woman at the bar. He must have been the one who did that to her.

“If you want to kill Leon, I won’t stop you.” Her tone was that of disgust and disappointment, laced with the exhaustion that persisted to haunt her, “Nevertheless, I won’t let you act all high and mighty and then do this. This is something Joseph would do. This is just…it’s just monstrous.”

She saw movement at the edge of her vision and blinked – She had forgotten of Lleyton’s presence. “This is Leon Wulfschild, Lleyton,” she said bitterly, “My husband and the man who is responsible for everything that happened here tonight.”

She returned her attention to her mate, crossing her arms and meeting his gaze, her cold expression faltering to show her worry, “Please Leon, say something…”

[StormWolf]

This was wrong. This was all wrong. Why was he pulling the flesh from Jacob's bones instead of just pulling his head off? Leon didn't know why. He didn't know why he was almost smiling as he bit down on Jacob's face and ripped almost half of it off. The coppery taste of his blood was like a fine liqueur, intoxicating Leon as he partook in both flesh and blood alike. The noise of the young vampire adult's bones breaking was like a soothing song to Leon's ears. Why was he a peace while he was doing this? It took all of his willpower to not hum a casual tune as his hand sank into Jacob's stomach and lacerated anything soft inside with his claws.

He is kicking too much. Make him stop. The Tormentor laughed sickly into Leon's head. The large Alpha sank his hand into Jacob's abdomen again and wrapped his hand around the base of the spine. With a jerk and a scream of agony from Jacob, his writhing legs went limp.

Time seemed to stand still as Leon worked - then soft hands wrapped around his wrists. Those hands were familiar, but from where? He stopped his conquest for Jacob's eyes and stood there in a partial daze, feeling something like a sledgehammer smash over his face. The blow jarred the man, making him stumble in his current state. Once his focus returned to his vision, Leon looked up, teeth barred, both his blood and Jacob's hanging from his chin in thick strands. That face.... he knew her.... that face.... Acacia!

Suddenly Leon felt off balance again, something like a head-rush. He just stared at Acacia in disbelief, his eyes glowing gold in the dark room. She was not supposed to be here? She should be on the plane to her parents by now. What.... what was going on? Who was that man that came in with her?!

Leon heard a crunch and watched as Jacob went still forever. Leon felt.... calm. He felt relieved. He looked at the tinted glass of the window, seeing his reflection, still seeing those yellow eyes. Why hadn't they changed back to blue?

“Please Leon, say something…” Acacia's voice, like bells and chimes to his ears, shook him from his trance. He shook his head, sweat and blood flying off of his skin and out of his hair.

"I..." he rubbed his eyes, wincing. Be blue, damned you! He sighed, blinking, his eyes slowly fading back to blue, much slower than they should have. "He needed to die.... I had to do it. I was told to." Leon walked over Jacob's corpse and knealt by the girl he had shot earlier, wiping the blood that soiled and stained his hands on her dress, if it could be called that.

"Joseph loved that boy. The only thing he ever showed kindness to. News of his horrible death at my hands will make him angry. Vampires don't know how to fight angry, Acacia. Joseph will be careless with his rage, and I will make him endure all of the hells I went through. This is the first ring of hell Joseph must pass through. I took from him what he loved most; I killed his only child." Leon stood rolling his shoulders and cracking his thick neck.

"I just heard a voice in my head.... and I listened. That voice is never there when you are around.... It told me to kill. So I killed." Leon sniffed, and ran the back of his hand under his nose, "And don't compare me to that monster. I have been merciful compared to Joseph's work. Jacob would have been eating smoke and fire with Satan within another few minutes, Joseph makes his tortures last for months. He ravages the mind as much as the body.... I just..... destroy." The Alpha ran a hand through his hair, the blood keeping it somewhat slicked back. His piercing gaze then found the newcomer that had arrived with Acacia, and Leon's brow knitted together in a frown.

"If you wish to speak, stranger, speak quickly and with purpose - and if you want to keep your eyes, look at me, not my Acacia. What do you want?" Leon growled in his more-usual tone. His senses returning from the kind of high he got when he fed on a body suffering from great pain. He consumed the wide array of endorphins and adrenaline that coursed through their system as they went in to fight or flight, and that had a history of messing with Leon's head. Quite literally getting him blood-drunk.

--------

Joseph sat with his thin fingers knitted together before him as he rested his elbows on his desk. He always enjoyed watching Dice snap at people. Such youthful fire. She would be a wonderfully orgasmic woman to break. To se that fire in her belly turn into a pile of wet ashes as she cried and cried. Begged for.... Joseph smirked behind his hands. A mad and dangerous smirk.

"Yes. Of course. You two kids go have fun. I will read over your conditions, Luke. I will send you a summons when I am ready to see you again." with a waving motion of his hand, the Sanguine Elder shooed the two of them away.

With the departure of Luke and Dice, Joseph beheld another face, this one male and new to him. He smelled of lycan filth, however.

"You." Joseph pointed to the man standing at the mouth of the chamber, "Enter. What do you want?" beckoning for Hector to enter

[Flex]

“This is Leon Wulfschild, Lleyton. My husband and the man who is responsible for everything that happened here tonight.”

Fuck Lucius.

Actually, scrap that; don’t fuck Lucius--granted, he was probably happily fucking some gorgeous pin-up as Lleyton thought these very thoughts--but, well, he was a good elder, wasn’t he? He was a fucking great boss. Of course, he was; it was only a fucking coincidence that the motherfucking bastard had sent him straight into the hands of a fellow lycan who was pretty much a fucking psychopath slash terrorist, with an equally sadistic--yet, incredibly fucking hot--wife. Fuck, Lleyton had to admit, there was something rather hot about how she had marched up those stairs and confronted her husband--including all the knifing, grunting, windpipe-crushing and excessive spitting. Lleyton had a thing for violent women.

Fuck, fuck, fuck--Lleyton couldn’t fucking believe that so much could happen in such a day. He should never have fucking returned to Conzetta; they were all going to die at the hands of this fucking monster, anyway. The moment he got out of this fucking whorehouse, he was going to buy himself a calendar and mark this day as the worst fucking day of his fucking life. Ray dead, along with what seemed like two thousand fucking people, here--fuck, the entire club seemed to be wailing like a fucking banshee; Lleyton had always been a lover of personification. That shit rocked.

The two lovers seemed to be having some sort of romantic interlude, staring at each other emotionally--eyes widening, gazes softening; Lleyton had seen it before. Fuck, even he had trouble admitting to himself how much he loved ‘The Days of our Lives’; something about how everyone seemed to be screwing each other behind each other’s backs--humans were so fucking entertaining. Ray had loved it, too. Had. Then again; right here, right now? The lovers in the Days of our Lives usually fought in hospitals; “why did you sleep with Mariah? Aren’t I enough?”

This, on the other hand, was more, “why the fuck did you kill that vampire? Weren’t the other fucking five hundred thousand vampires you massacred before him, enough?” Hardly romantic.

"Joseph loved that boy. The only thing he ever showed kindness to. News of his horrible death at my hands will make him angry,” he heard the monstrous motherfucker explain. Fuck, Lleyton was having trouble just coming to fucking terms that he had a vocabulary over a handful of words--werewolves this fucking violent were usually mentally impaired; the whole ‘I’ll rip your throat out and then stumble around deliriously’ impaired.

Lleyton couldn’t help but look at Jacob; drink in the sight of him. Fuck, he had thought Ray had looked like shit. But Jacob? Well, this ‘Jacob’ was… well, just as Leon had described him; an ‘it’. He was hardly a person anymore; fuck, he was ravaged all over. A bloody corpse; a fucking husk. His clothing was slashed, his raw body revealed behind shreds of cloth; he had ‘fucking nightmare’ written all over him. Fuck, Lleyton wasn’t all fucking prim and proper, he killed when he had to--but for fun? Fuck, no.

A quick inspection of ‘the body’, well, it sang the truth, in all its fucking honesty. It was fucking obvious that the killer had taken some sort of pleasure out of tearing the poor fucker apart. He stared at the torn face, dangling arms, long and useless legs--eyes staring lifelessly up at the ceiling. There was almost a… glassy aspect to them; all life had been sapped out--he was, like, well… a doll, a fucking tree… ‘fuck, no he is not like a fucking tree,’ Lleyton thought to himself, brows furrowed, ‘he has been fucking torn apart.’ He quickly glanced over at the couple; they still seemed lost in their conversation. Fuck, he needed some time alone.

They were in a VIP suite; that, Lleyton was certain of. He had seen VIP suites before, and this was just the right blend between luxury and class. Fuck, the Conzetta clan were all about fucking luxury and whilst Lleyton had never been directly subjected to any heavenly, materialistic wonders, he had always been fucking surrounded by them. The room they were in was made of sprawling arches, elegant skirting boards, lavishly furnished, with huge oak cabinets and satin couches; doors opening up to various other rooms… corpse-less rooms, hopefully. Lleyton considered wandering into another room, escaping the two Bravado freaks, just for a second, before deciding against it.

“Fuck, I need a smoke,” he murmured to himself--and he did; that shit did wonders for him. He needed something to calm him the fuck down, just some-fucking-thing. Something to just… forget all that shit; fuck, he was going to get lung cancer if he kept smoking the way he was--packet after fucking packet--even with these extraordinary lycan lungs of his. Lleyton sighed, leaning against a wall--feigning nonchalance. This shit didn’t scare him; not at all. Not at fucking all; this was some fucking epic shit-- brutal murder all the fucking way. Fuck, yeah.

So, things had been going pretty fucking well--snippets of Jacob’s corpse combined with Ray’s returned from time-to-time, but Lleyton tried to churn them out. Fuck, at one point he slipped on his sunglasses; attempted to stare at the room through a different viewpoint--strangely enough, everything seemed, well… less bloody, when in a darker shade. He tried not to think; fucking interpreting what had just happened would, well, be completely counter-productive. Fuck, Lleyton was no psychiatrist, but he was well aware of what would fucking drive him up the wall and what wouldn’t.

Then, the motherfucker decided to turn on him, snapping him out of his reverie. “If you wish to speak, stranger, speak quickly and with purpose - and if you want to keep your eyes, look at me, not my Acacia. What do you want?” The words resounded, fucking reverberated through the room. Lleyton was fucking glad that he had never gotten around to shagging Acacia on the airport floor, now… and what the fuck was with the archaic tone? The whole ‘strange’ and ‘speak with purpose’ shit; fuck, they lived in the fucking twenty-first century now, and this motherfucker seemed to be living far back in the Renaissance. His killing methods were similarly primitive. Then again, if this motherfucker had been alive--and a werewolf--back in the Renaissance, there probably wouldn’t even be any fucking today. Fuck, Lleyton made sure not to stare at Acacia--he liked his eyes. Fucking loved them, in fact.

He felt queasy; the urge to drop to his fucking knees right there and right then felt just, oh, so fucking good. But, he couldn’t--he had to serve Conzetta; he did have a purpose. Fuck, he had to fucking think. Lleyton glanced blankly at Leon; his eyes hidden beneath his shades. He had to think, to think… so, he thought; Jacob… Joseph… Sanguine. This Leon… hated Sanguine. Suddenly everything made sense. Lleyton couldn’t help but smile to himself; fuck, Lucius was good. “You did a good job with this fucker,” he found himself suddenly saying, walking towards Leon. He grinned and slipped off his sunglasses, feigning a further inspection of the body, before flipping it over with his foot--letting it sit in a patch of its own blood. “A very fucking good job.”

“As for your wife,” Lleyton smirked, “don’t get me wrong; she’s beautiful, but… I’m into vampires,” he motioned at the bloody corpse, before realising what he was doing. “Female vampires,” he quickly amended, “fuck, I have to be honest, man; I came here to help you out--this whole ‘clan war’ shit is taking too long; that Joseph bastard needs to die already…” he drawled, bumbling along--fuck, hopefully these bastards would buy this. Fuck, they would fucking have to; it was all he had going for him.

He was standing right next to Leon, now--the famous motherfucking monster who only had to be known by his first name alone--and suddenly felt incredibly fucking nervous; the man towered way above his 6’3”. Suppose, fuck, things didn’t work out? Suppose… shit, shit, shit… there was no point thinking over this--‘acta non verba’, ‘acta non verba’. Actions, not fucking words. “Lleyton,” he introduced himself, holding out his hand, before elaborating; “Lleyton Tallis.”

[Kirra]

'Joseph, you are so predictable.' Luke knew that as long as he had acted excited about the young vampires attitude, Joseph wouldn't do anything to ruin his enjoyment. It would make him happy to see Luke happy. Dice owed Luke, hopefully more than she would ever know. The fear in her eyes wasn't even a glimmer of what Joseph could have caused.

Even though they had been granted leave by the manic vampire, Luke couldn't help but imagine the vial and horrible things that would have been plagued upon his small companion had it been any other elder that she had insulted. They wouldn't have been helpful. Joseph would have punished her. The thought made Luke's throat dry up. "Well, we shall take out leave then." He waved to Joseph and lead Dice out of the room.

When they where out of hearing distance, Luke removed his hand from Dice's shoulder. What was he going to say to her? Would she believe him? The elder looked down at the child's face. The look had changed. She wasn't terrified like before, a good sign. Now she seemed... annoyed. Maybe even a little nervous. He just couldn't get a beat on her. "Sorry about today. I didn't mean to act like that. I just figured Joseph would back off if... Well never mind that." She simply looked forward as they walked. 'What is she thinking? I have to know.'

Luke knelt down in front of the small vampire and looked into her eyes. 'Should I just ask her? Do I even want to know? I can only imagine things she must think I want from her. Damn it. Joseph you give all of us a bad name.' He had to say something. "So are you hungry? I bet we can find something warm..." Luke stopped mid sentence when he saw that look of disgust just barely being held back. The same way she looked from when she started to go off on him. She hid her emotions well, but it still peaked through. 'No, no, no. She doesn't think I would actually eat like he does.' He decided it was best to think of something else. "Let's um... let's just forget about that."

Luke was happy that she seemed to be relaxing. But he could tell she wasn't interested in going anywhere with him. "You know what?" He said standing to his full height. "I'm kinda famished. And I don't really need to drag you along just to get something. Why don't you go enjoy yourself. I'll tell Joseph that you where a great host." He started to turn away but stopped and said. "I do want to know one thing." He paused a moment. "Has Joseph ever hurt you?" Luke paused for only a moment, but it seemed like years to him. "Sorry. I um. I'll talk to you later. Have fun kiddo."

Luke made his way back to the secretary and cleared his throat. "Yes sir?" Luke smiled at her. "I need you to tell Joseph something. Tell him I said that Dice was a great host to me, but I had an important item to deal with and couldn't bring her along. Please allow her to take the day to herself as a reward." Luke quickly jotted down a number. "And tell him to call me on this number when he is ready to speak." The secretary took the note and set it on her desk. "Of course sir. Is there anything else?" Luke shook his head and headed out the doors.

He decided to walk into the town. It would be useless to stalk in his car. Luke passed up many potential victims based on their blood levels, age, and health. None of these things would have effected his ability to feed, but he refused to drain blood from a person if they wouldn't survive the process. Luke had often become weakened from not drinking so that he wouldn't end a life unnecessarily. Thanks to blood banks, it was becoming a lot easier to get by. But nothing beat strait from the vain.

Luke finally met his target. A drunk female in her mid twenties with a strong heart and no ailments to speak of. Luke moved in behind his victim and gripped her shoulders lightly. "I am sorry that I must do this." The woman was starting to become frightened. Luke let a long breath brush against her soft warm flesh. Her fear turned into a stutter and wobble. 'God, humans are easy to control.' He pressed his lips against her neck, kissing a few times. Then he slid his teeth inside. One of Luke's arms had moved from the woman's shoulder up her neck to her mouth in a slow passionate movement; his other warping around her waist. The woman, enthralled in passion tried to bite down on Luke's ring finger. She was starting to moan as Luke drew in blood.

It was enough. Luke removed his fangs. The woman was breathing heavy, her chest heaving with each intake. She would be unsure of what happened, but never suspect a vampire. A drunken night of passion gone to far. Luke had seen it enough times that he knew it was possible. As he realized her, the woman staggered a bit. Luke helped he get her footing and started the charade. "Miss. Are you ok?" She turned to him and smiled. "I think I drank to much." Luke smiled back at her. "I think you should get home. I think you are bleeding." She grabbed her neck and touched to slight amount of blood that had followed after Luke's feeding. "Shit. That ass hole bit me to hard." She had a foul mouth for such a cute young thing. After the woman headed inside a local building, Luke decided to check out more for the town.

[Auki]

Joseph sends men to shoot our pack’s young…
You hunt down and torture his only son…
And you consider yourself merciful, aye, Leon?

Acacia sighed; even her thoughts had a bitter tone. She was used to being faced with the unexpected in her marriage but…the memory of Jacob’s body was going to take a while to fade. She didn’t bother to retaliate to his explanation - it would be more hassle than it was worth – but her concern did start to grow.
Voices… - Telling him to kill things? Wasn’t that schizophrenia? Distorted sense of reality and all that…
But he was fine when he was with her; that’s what he just said. How could she go to her parents and leave him for months on his own? Would he even be alive in the end?

Her heightened senses seemed more of a curse than a blessing now. The stench of blood was beginning to get sickening – She sniffed again picking up the scent of urine among other things coming from Jacob’s body, Poor bastard must’ve been terrified. She regretted kicking him on his side, the force having spilt a portion of his guts across the floor. Her eyes flickered across every gash in his flesh and she allowed their colour to return to their normal brown reluctantly. The details of Jacob’s wounds suddenly appeared less sharp, less defined, but she supposed that was for the best. If the image was going to haunt her, she’d rather it remained as blurred as possible. The injured victims left in the club were beginning to die, their screams falling silent, leaving the building eerily still except for the two male Lycans before her. She expected them to be arguing but Leon had calmed himself, his rage dulled and his eyes their usual blue. How I love a man with blue eyes…

Shaking her head, she tried to concentrate on the situation at hand – She could query her husband on his behaviour, when they were alone. She wiped the anxious expression from her face – his mention of voices still had her uneasy - and tried to actually listen to the conversation. Lleyton had moved nearer her, shifting the corpse of Jacob with his foot.

“As for your wife,” he smirked, “don’t get me wrong; she’s beautiful, but… I’m into vampires.”

She glared at him, slightly offended. “Vampires don’t have nothing on me, ya cunt,” she muttered softly, not wanting to disrupt their conversation. She watched silently as he babbled; his personality seemed altered in front of Leon – He was a hell of a lot less smooth at talking as well. There was a sense of urgency about the way he moved but she had no idea why. As he got nearer Leon, that urgency was replaced by anxiety. She was surprised he had the balls to offer a handshake.

Leon caught her eye and she shrugged – She had not learned enough about this guy to trust or distrust him. In the end, the decision was up to her husband. She made a small hand gesture to say ‘Do what you want’. Without his vampire comment, she might have stood up for him. Now, she left him to the will of her mate.

[Stream]

With the departure of Luke and Dice, Joseph beheld another face, this one male and new to him. He smelled of lycan filth, however.

"You." Joseph pointed to the man standing at the mouth of the chamber, "Enter. What do you want?" beckoning for Hector to enter.

For a moment he hesitated, not wanting to anger the notorious Sanguine elder. Horror stories of his actions and torturous exploits would make any man tremble in his presence.

"I'm sure you've been informed of my arrival, who I am, and why I'm here." he paused for a moment to retrieve the phone out of his pocket.

"Who I represent is not important. My name is Victor Aucoin, and I have to deliver a message for those I represent."

Immediately Joseph snatched the phone from his hand and brought it to his ear.

"Dial one. The message should play immediately."

The voice was masked.

"Hello there, Joseph!

If you're getting this, then my messenger has fulfilled his task and all is going according to plan.

I am a representative of the Council of Twelve of Clan Conzetta. While "official records" do not show us possessing Sanguine's wealth, or, for example, Bravado's guns, we do hold one thing en masse above all others:

Information.

They teach in schools that "Knowledge is Power", though few of those children ever grasp that concept very well, and fewer still can embrace it like a vampire, such as myself.

And what I know could prove useful to saving you from losing what you have left of your clan.

Before you scoff, consider this:

If you had information about a certain lycan prior to this moment, you would've been able to prevent some losses to your clan, as well as your pride...

Thanks to a distinct lack of allies and surveillance, sadly, that information will likely only be reaching your ears in the next day or two.

In the coming war, you will need both allies and information. You're all alone, Joseph, and none of us last long alone.

Therefore, in your current situation, with circumstances as they are, I'm offering you a deal:

You can purchase the necessary information and allies and possibly live to see another five hundred years, or you can die in the belly of the beast.

How unfortunate that would be, especially for someone like you.

This offer is good only once. Search the banks of this phone for one other phone number. Call it within the next 24 hours, and we can make a deal.

Oh, and the messenger I sent is a low-ranking member of our Clan; if you kill him, you gain nothing, and you give us another reason to side with your enemies. We suggest letting him go.

The phone is yours to keep.

Enjoy! Hope to hear from you soon, monsieur.

Ciao."

With that, the message ended

Hector, or "Victor" had already exited the room while the elder listened to the message, not wanting to be anywhere near the realm of victim to his wrath. The two people he had shooed away moments before Hector had entered the room were standing outside, still having a conversation.

He couldn't help but notice how peculiarly dressed the woman was. She was obviously Asian, though Hector wasn't culturally diverse enough to pinpoint from which country. She wore a smooth, cascading lime kimono that draped just to her ankles. It wasn't everyday you saw someone dressed like this, publicly.

"Do you wear that every day, or does Joseph make you wear that whenever he orders you to your chambers?"

[Heirosyth]

It was the silence that drew Lilith's eyes from Hector's departing cab to meet Lucius' gaze. Her eyes narrowed, searching his for some sign of what he had stopped himself from saying. More secrets, Lucius? she wondered. There was something in his voice that was... concerning.

With her heart beginning to pound in her chest, Lilith nodded and squeezed his hand in agreement.

Lucius felt her squeeze his hand, and he smiled. In a few moments, another car service arrived and he opened the door and led her in, following after, resuming his hold on her hand as he got in and shut the door. He knocked the ceiling of the car with his cane two times, as though he was in a coach, and the driver sped off.

He looked into her mesmerizing gorgeous blue eyes; her seas of deep blue, that he could lose himself forever in, and squeezed her hand once more, allowing another smile spread over his lips, before focusing his attention on his cane. How odd, gothic, and distinctive it was... the silver dragon-like figure with its wings slightly flared, and the gentle, almost beatific human face it had; bearded and smiling as an old father figure might, even as its reptilian tail wrapped itself down around the top of the cane, with its scorpion stinger tip at the end, hidden and lingering.

He remarked with that odd little smirk on his lips, "This is Geryon," pointing to the figurehead. "He's a symbolic monster who guards the Malebolge in Dante's Inferno."

Then Lucius turned back to her and caressed her cheek with his fingertips, gazing into her eyes and perusing her features, but not in such a way as to make her uncomfortable. It was a warm and friendly gaze; one that glowed with appreciation for her porcelain beauty, timeless and forever young.

"You are so soft, Lilith..." he said in a gentle voice. "The years have been kind to you..." It was a statement that he made knowing that the years weren't necessarily "kind" to her; but one that he made knowing the irony of being a vampire: generally, regardless of how life treated you, the "trials" didn't show, like they did on mortals. Vampires were blessed--or cursed, depending on your viewpoint--with never showing how hard their lives had been in their faces; they were always beautiful on the outside, even if their lives were not.

Lines showed on Lucius's face however. Lines of a man who was in his mid-late 30's. Not an old man by any means, but lines on a vampire was a rare thing. Lines on his forehead, lines along his cheeks. Lucius, it was clear, had been through so much that even his immortal beauty could not conceal it.

He leaned in to kiss her on the lips, closing his eyes and enjoying the press and touch of her lips to his, tasting them for a moment as he lingered, not wanting to pull away. Ever.

But he did, reluctantly, and his eyes fell to the figurehead of the cane once more. "I may need you before the end, Lilith..." His hand, having grown cooler in the night air, caressed hers with affection in his touch -- yet another disadvantage of being a vampire: you depended on the warmth of others to maintain your own. Lucius sighed, shaking his head.

He looked into her eyes again, addressing her with the same honesty. "There are things in motion now that none of us can stop, and that makes my time with you more special than before," he said with that spark of genuine truth in his eyes. The Elder squeezed her hand again and brought it to his lips, kissing it softly.

And then he looked away, his eyes gazing into the night, far away... into the future, into space... for a moment, before he returned to her.

"I want to share this night with you. I want to forge a bond with you tonight... a connection that will keep us strong no matter what is to come. I want to know you, Lilith... to taste you, to breathe you in every breath, to feel you, every single beat of your heart." He smiled and lowered his eyes.

"I could already sense your heartbeat earlier..." he confessed. "It quickened my own."

The car came to a stop, and Lucius glanced out the window at the crescent moon, and quipped, "I had to stop for Death, because he would not stop for me..." It was an odd thing to say until she witnessed what followed.

They had arrived at a gated driveway, one that seem to go back into the rolling hills of northern Virginia, disappearing behind long rows of trees that, devoid of their leaves, gave the place a supernatural air, with a mist lingering in the valley of the drive before it ascended a proclivity to finish at a large marble fountain, adorned by the statues of the four cardinal virtues with the looming white Corinthian columns of a chateau-sized mansion behind it.

But of immediate interest was the lingering group of boys that were hanging out at that gate as the car pulled up. When Lucius had released Lilith's hand and had stepped out of the car with his driver, the boys turned around, partially blinded by the headlights of the car, and two of the five had immediately taken off down the main road. Lucius's man drew a gun on them, and said in a no-nonsense voice, "Don't move, lads."

They looked at each other, still blinded by the brightness of the headlights, while Lucius moved towards them.

"What are you doing here, boys?" the Vampire Elder asked in a curious tone. If Lilith had seen his eyes like they did now, she would have known that they were anything but curious.

"J-just... hangin' out... sir," the sandy-haired taller one said, visibly uncomfortable. "Please don't shoot us," he whined.

"Is this your home?"

"N-no, sir," the other one, shorter and with brown hair hanging low and messy around his eyes replied.

"But it will be your grave..." Lucius growled and lunged at the terrified brown haired boy, wrapping him quickly in his voracious embrace, and draining him with all the viciousness of a wolf, prompting the youth to gasp and scream out a choked cry that was stifled before it could escape his throat.

"Oh my god! What are you doing!" cried the third, a red-head, a wave of horror washing over his face.

"What he needs to; bad luck, chums. You're going to be next. And don't even think of running. You'll just die tired," the driver replied, waving his gun at them.

"Please, god, I don't want to die! I'm so sorry! Look what he's doing to Tom! God, what is he doing?!"

"He's like... a fucking vampire or something!" the sandy-haired one muttered in fear.

Lucius's face appeared suddenly from his feeding, his face flush with newfound young blood, his eyes glowing with power and life. And he smiled a bloody, predatory smile, glimmering with fangs in the moonlight.

"And you're next..." he said, holding the blond-haired boy in his mesmerizing gaze as he dropped the shriveled, limp corpse of the brown haired boy to the ground, nothing more than skin and bones now, his eyes rolled up in death, every last drop of his life sucked remorselessly from his body.

************************************************** ********

Iris's phone rang with a "Private" number.

Whether she picked it up or not, the recorded message would be the same:

"We are the Council of Twelve, of Clan Conzetta. We were informed that you are interested in working with us. If this is true, we feel it is important for you to know that we are aware of a potential attack on Clan Sanguine, of which we know you are a member. This attack is unsanctioned and without the approval of the Clan Elders and risks causing a war among our people. While we do not approve of Joseph Hammerstein's recent actions or manner of rule, we do not feel that Clan genocide is the answer.

If you are interested in playing a part to stop this potential massacre, we need you to meet one of our operatives at an undisclosed location. In twenty-four hours, go to the Post Office in downtown Denver, and pick up a package waiting for you in P.O. Box 116. Say your name is Iris and you are there to pick up a package from Conzetta. Be there at approximately 4 pm and one of our operatives will be there to assist you.

If you are not interested, ignore this message and have a nice day."

With that the enigmatic message ended and Iris was left to workout this puzzle for herself...

[StormWolf]

Leon's icy blue eyes descented, looking at Lleyton's outstretched hand as it if were some kind of bizzarre creature. He frowned at it, his face hard enough to mark steel, and his gaze even harder. Who is this man? Leon thought, eyes tightening as they met the gaze of the stranger, Lleyton. I don't like him. He smells like fear. The Tormentor screamed, but Leon forced himself not to listen, muting that yell to a fly's buzz in the back of his mind. Leon's powerful, scarred, blood-stained hand -still sticky with the fresh bodily fluid - engulfed Lleyton's. The Alpha shook that hand hard and firm, crushing, even. All the while looking Lleyton in the eyes with a face like a rock.

"As my wife said, I am Leon Wulfschild." Leon spoke, his voice like roling thunder on the horizon. "Know this, Lleyton Tallis: harm my Pack or my wife in any way, and the pressure you feel around your hand will grow a hundred times tighter, and it will be around your neck." Leon's face cracked in a smile, a pleasant smile, which made the entire exchange that much more disturbing, "Do we understand each other? Lay a hand, or any other extremity, on her, and I will rip it off and feed it to my Wolves." With a mirthless chuckle, Leon released Lleyton's hand and turned his attention to the body of Jacob. He wasn't done yet.

Squatting by the body, Leon took Jacob's right hand and observed the fingers. On the ring finger was a Sanguine Signet, a white gold band with a ruby set in the center, the Hammerstien crest beneath the ruby. Some horrible hybrid of a smirk and a snarl twisted Leon's face. Opening his mouth, Leon stuck the ring finger into his maw and bit down, resulting in a sickening crunch.

Standing up, he spat out the severed ring finger of Jacob, observing the prize in his hand for a moment before sticking it in his pocket. "Come on, Acacia." Leon said in little more than a mumble. "Let's get out of here."

Leading his wife downstairs, Leon didn't take the time to avoid bodies, he just stepped on them, the creaking and snapping of bones under his dense weight audible to his ears. The smell of death was purtid in the room, hot from no air conditioning, stagelights, and sweat from the poeple who were dancing what felt like just a few moments ago. Few made any noises now, a couple moaned or gurgled their last breaths of life away, but he tuned them out, as best he could. The guilt was starting to catch up.

"Acacia, do you mind telling me why that Lleyton followed you here... or why you brought him? I have too much at stake now to afford some.... individual... trying to hurt you... or hurt the pack." he turned to face her, one hand resting on her stomach just by pure instinct. His eyes were softer now, as they always were around her, only when looking at her were his eyes so soft.

"With what happened tonight.... this war can swing in our favor. Surely all of Bravado has heard of what happened at the Timberwolf, and surely they are all itching for a fight. Well, that fight may be coming. We will be going to New York as soon as possible, and rendevouz with the rest of the Clan there."

[Mysteria]

Marissa had taken advantage of what would be her last day for the time being in the Aspen mountains relaxing and enjoying it to the fullest. The call she had received later in the day had set her into motion. The beauteous scenery outside had afforded her the luxury of a grand evening out walking around the city of Aspen. Marissa breathed in the cool crisp air as she walked. There was nothing like pure clean mountain air to clear the mind. After having had dinner at The Rustique Marissa returned to the chalet and began making preparations.

She mentally ticked off the items in her head as she got each task done. With care she packed the items that she would need for her upcoming trip. The rest she would leave at the Chalet until she could make her return. It was of little concern to her when exactly that would be as the chalet had been reserved for quite some time. Being in a fairly centrally located state kept her close enough to be able to allow her to get anywhere that the Conzetta council may chose to send her within a matter of hours. Packing done, check. Her next action was to secure a plane ticket to Harrisburg, Pa. Ticket secured, check. The room in Hershey had already been taken care of. There was no need to double check.


The only thing left to do was make sure she could get a proper weapon. She wanted something that she would be able to use no matter what position she was in when the need arose. And she wanted it to be quiet. Perusing the internet she began researching what would ultimately be her weapon of choice. A Remington 700 XCR Compact 300 caliber with suppressor should be just perfect. She wasn't planning on getting that close to anyone to need anything else but just in case a Ruger 357 would also be obtained. If the Conzetta clan was as powerful and prepared as she believed them to be, there would be no issue in acquiring the items that she needed.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

The next morning brought with it for Marissa a feeling of having been revived and refreshed mentally. The plane ride to Harrisburg was spent considering what all she would need to do and how she would need to find the team of mercenaries who were waiting there for her. Had it been her in charge of setting that meeting up she knew exactly how she would have done it and had little doubt that it would be handled in a similar manner.

Her arrival at the Hotel Hershey confirmed her suspicions immediately upon checking in with the desk attendant. Smiling at the young woman Marissa said "Good morning. Reservation for Melisandra Vixen." Going through her computer the young woman replied "Yes Miss Vixen, room 305 and a message has been left for you." Retrieving Marissas pass key the young girl handed it to her along with the note. Marissa thanked her and scanned the note before going to her room and quickly unpacking the luggage. She had traveled light since she knew the group more likely than not would be on the move before too long.

Marissa dialed one of the numbers to contact one of Conzetta's fire arms dealers in Harrisburg. She wanted to be certain that they would have available the equipment she needed and that if they didn't that they could procur them swiftly. Weapons, check. Her list was complete.

Marissa read the note again.

"Miss Vixen,

Your retinue awaits you in room 308. After you make contact with them further instructions will be forthcoming.

Conzetta Council."


Marissa stepped into the hallway and made the short distance to room 308. Having knocked upon the door and it having been opened she was greeted by a rather large young looking gentleman. Vampire. The entire room smelled of Vampire. Her senses told her that there were also her own kind in the room. Her entourage consisted of a group of eight mercenaries most of whom were probably much older than they appeared to be as was common with Vampires and Lycans. Marissa introduced herself and immediately began showing her authority over them as she went into Alpha mode. Even though she was no longer an Alpha, the years of training were something that were engraved into her very being and not easily forgotten.

"Hello gentleman. Let me introduce myself. As you are already aware my name is Melisandra Vixen. You have each been retained by the Clan Conzetta to assist me in an upcoming event." Marissas keen sense of hearing allowed her to hear two of the mercs in the back of the room talking quietly among themselves. Marissa fell silent as she moved towards them until she was standing directly behind them. Laying a hand on each ones shoulders her nails grew in length until they were digging into their flesh. Marissa smiled a wry smile as she spoke "Do either of you have an issue with taking orders from little ole' me?" her nails pressing into their skin bringing a wince upon both mans face. Marissa hissed the next words "I assure you both, I've brought better men than the likes of you two to their knees. Do not underestimate me." Relaxing her grip from their shoulders and allowing her hand to trail down each ones respective backs she moved away slowly, her smile brightening as she continued.

Turning to face the group she began once more "Gentlemen the task that lies ahead of us will not be an easy one and involves great danger. I do not yet have all of the details but when the time comes I expect nothing less than complete and total professionalism from each and every one of you." Marissa's eyes fell to the two in the back of the room as she spoke the words. "If you follow my orders this should run smoothly with no casualties. Our instructions will be forthcoming. Be prepared to act swiftly. I will return to you as soon as I receive word from the Council."

Having bid them adieu Marissa returned to her room to do the only thing she could do.

Wait.

[Auki]

“…Lay a hand, or any other extremity, on her…”

Acacia had been fixing her hair, barely interested in their conversation but at that, she rolled her eyes. Either he’s suggesting I’m unfaithful or I’m helpless… She had once assumed his protective nature would fade over the years of marriage – If anything, their trials together made him treasure her more. It was so different to previous relationships where the male would not care if she were alive or dead – It made her feel warm inside; loved. She did not worry if her husband’s speech made Lleyton uncomfortable; he did not find her attractive anyway. Why that irked her, she didn’t know. She did not consider herself as beautiful but when others were rude enough to point it out? Ugh…Let it go, woman… The only man that needed to see her as ‘sexy’ was Leon.

Her eyes trailed to him, Jacob’s finger now in his mouth. The digit was swiftly severed with a crunch that resonated throughout the quiet room. She flinched slightly at the sound but otherwise stared at the scene with seemingly uncaring eyes. She was a Bravado warrior. She had seen her first death – the victim, a female only a few years past puberty – when she was six; part of the first Clan War she had been forced to witness. Their enemies had struck their pack as it slept. They had underestimated them but still…many causalities, both sides. The stench…sweat and fear…running as the blood poured from them…eyes wide, inexperienced…mercenaries, afraid of death…so scared…screaming, whimpering, howling…the grass was damp, black under the night sky…

She would allow herself to cry for the poor boy later, when Leon couldn’t see or hear. She was in control of her emotions but she was not made of stone. What happened here would be burned in her mind for the months to come.

May God give you pardon and peace…and forgiveness of your sins - Whatever the heck they may be.
She was heavily sceptic of religion but sometimes, when she saw sights like this before her, she almost hoped there was something after this life – Not for herself but for the sake of those that had already died. Her parents had always been religious – She could see why they clung onto such beliefs with everything that they had witnessed. The pack’s pups, aye? If only there was something to save their poor souls…

"Let's get out of here."

She nodded, moving to hold his hand despite the gore that dripped from it, motioning Lleyton to follow. She did not know whether their departure filled her with relief or reluctance but as always, she followed behind Leon, stepping where he led her. She was forced to jump awkwardly over each corpse, refusing to tread on them due to both respect and disgust. It was surprisingly still compared to when she had last walked through; she shifted the light grey scarf around her neck to cover her nose. Although the thin fabric likely did little, psychologically it protected her from the stench of the dead.

Her husband spoke and she listened. As he finished, she tugged him the last few steps out of the club, emerging into the night’s darkness, gasping in fresh air thankfully before turning to him. She moved close enough to see his face clearly, her hand subconsciously clenching harder to his. Although her voice was sweet, the essence of sarcasm laced every word.

“Oh babe, I am sorry. See, while you were out murdering woman and children, this lad was saving me from a group of thugs who likely planned to drag me back to some dingy apartment with or without my consent…but yes, you’re right, he’s the dangerous one here. Next time a guy helps me out instead of slaughtering the innocent, I’ll be extra careful of him, aye?”

She was exhausted. She was offended. She was pissed off, disgusted and heck…she was a whole bunch of emotions she couldn’t distinguish. She felt like drinking until she was numb but of course, she couldn’t; she was pregnant now. Sometimes she questioned whether her ever-lasting patience with Leon’s reckless attitude was beginning to thin but… Just one more war, Acacia, aye? Just this one more…

“If you must know, sweetheart, the cunt asked after you specifically.” Her tone had softer, her fatigue growing obvious, “It seems strange that a man, fresh off an aeroplane, is asking around for you in a city you’ve only occupied for a day. Sorry if I’ve…burdened you with his presence. You seem to forget there are more Clans involved in this then Sanguine.”

She sighed, rubbing her eyes with her clean hand, allowing her other to slip from her husband’s grasp. “We will leave for New York in the morning if you wish. Lleyton will be coming with us – He can ride on the back of my bike for all I care - With your threat hanging over his head, I doubt he has the guts to try anything weird.”

She glanced at the man in question with an arched eyebrow, meeting his eyes briefly. She was too tired to care if her words sounded stupid.

“I don’t care how you get me back to the hotel as long as you do it soon. This whole day has been…draining.”

[Anne Bonny]

Lilith had remained in the car after Lucius exited, choosing to be a silent observer of the carnage to come. She had known what would follow as soon as she heard the tone of the Elder's voice when asking the boys what they were doing. And in anticipation of the slaughter, her heart began to beat furiously.

The teenagers could never be a match for Lucius, the mere thought was folly. But still, Lilith was impressed with the speed and voracity in which he carried out his attack. The first boy fell in a few short seconds, and the next shortly after. And Lilith watched the scene unfold, nearly mesmerized by his power, knowing that she was only seeing a fraction of it. In the back of her mind, she wondered what he would look like against another creature of the night.

The second teenager fell, and Lucius turned his eyes on the redheaded boy who remained. The mortal took a step backward, crying, begging for his life. Things were just getting too good to remain a spectator, Lilith decided.

She slipped out of the car with her usual cat-like grace, her movement drawing the boy's attention. He froze, his mouth falling open, pale green eyes locked on her own as Lilith took a few slow steps towards him. Here was a beautiful, dark angel, emerging from the night to rescue him from the demon that had destroyed his friends. The vampiress allowed a smile to slip over her features.

"Now darling, let's not be too hasty," Lilith said to Lucius without moving her eyes from the boy. "Can't you see the poor child is scared to death?"

Her hand rose to brush the tears from the boy's cheek. "Look at you, crying like an infant. You don't want to go like that, do you?" Lilith shook her head, and the boy, entranced, copied her motion.

Her smile broadened. "Good boy," she said. Her hand trailed down the teenager's neck and across his chest as she moved around to stand behind him. Her heart was racing, the hunger in the pit of her stomach aching for satisfaction. The redheaded boy smelled of fresh, young blood. It had been ages since she had eaten, Lilith was certain of it.

She lowered her head to rest on the boy's shoulder, savoring his aroma as he trembled beneath her touch. What was it about fear that made her prey seem so much more enticing, Lilith wondered? Her blue eyes moved to meet Lucius'.

"Please," the boy moaned, "Please don't let him kill me like he did my friends."

"Oh no," Lilith replied, drawing her lips back to bare her fangs. "I won't." The boy barely felt her bite against his neck, his only reaction a small gasp as his knees weakened and he collapsed against her.

When his body had been drained of life and her hunger sated, Lilith dropped it without ceremony. She stepped over what had once been the boy and moved instead into Lucius's arms. Without a word, she pressed her lips against his in a deep kiss, savoring the taste of mortal blood on his tongue. After several long seconds, she finally withdrew, breathless, cheeks flushed with the heat of new life inside her. "Let's go inside," she whispered.

The driver lead them up the steps of Lucius' mansion and held open the door for their entry. Lilith stepped into the entryway first, feeling her breath rush from her lungs as she looked around. The mansion was magnificent to say the least. High ceilings, marbled floors, intricate hard carved wood framing every doorway.

"I had no idea a place like this even existed anymore," Lilith whispered as she slowly stepped forward. Artwork in embellished frames hung on every wall, as ancient as it's owner himself but still bright and perfect in color. It was as if she had stepped backward in time upon entering the mansion. Even the mortals' so called "restored" buildings and "historic landmarks" couldn't compare to the timeless treasure of Lucius' manor.

Lilith glanced back at the Elder, who's eyes she could always feel on her. "Lucius, this is simply amazing," she said, turning to face him across the room. "I'm glad you brought me here."

She hesitated, her blue eyes moving to focus on a nearby painting titled "Ophelia (http://facstaff.uww.edu/carlberj/216/millais2.jpg)". The artist was one she had once known well, as her mother had loved his use of color and passion. Lilith stared at the grief-stricken lover as she sank with her flowers into the river. She couldn't help but pity the girl, fictional as she was, who thought she had lost her betrothed...

She looked down to the floor, then quickly back up to Lucius. "You said in the car you wanted me tonight. Darling, you know I'm already yours."

If there had been any doubt after her agreement to join Conzetta as to her devotion towards the Elder, Lilith was certain she would have washed it away when she chose her code name: Scarlet Butler. But Lucius still looked so very concerned.

Lilith swallowed hard and clasped her hands in front of her, if only for something to do with them. "But you've spoken of 'the end'. At dinner you mentioned 'what time you had left.' You've said something is to happen. I'll follow you anywhere, I swear it. But Lucius, when you speak that way..."

Her eyes moved back to Ophelia. "I'm afraid," she finally confessed. "I've only just found you again."

[Flex]

Dice had never been one to talk herself out of a situation--hell, in all honesty, she had never been one to talk[i], at [i]all. There were times when Dice believed that silence was golden, that silence was the key… and therefore she chose to be completely silent, letting others speak for her.

She didn’t speak once to Luke, not even as they stepped outside Joseph’s office--a newcomer brushing past them; all Dice was able to catch was a glimpse of golden hair before the door shut behind him. “So are you hungry?” Luke asked, his somewhat velvety voice similar to that of melting chocolate; poisonously attractive… however Dice knew better. She sacrificed a second to acknowledge his presence--merely glancing at him--before twisting around, seeking a way out. There had to be a way out--there could be… no way, just… absolutely no way that Joseph had just… let him take her away. It was mind-boggling; incomprehensible; ridiculous.

She was an invaluable addition to the Sanguine clan, after all, wasn’t she?

She thought back over the past few minutes--her arrival; her speech; her... fall from grace. ‘Oh god,’ she thought to herself, clenching her eyes shut. A tight sensation ran across her breasts, the cold truth striking her with a deafening blow. She wasn’t invaluable; she wasn’t even valuable; she probably wasn’t even considered part of the clan. No, she was… a doll, a sexual object, a cheap good stacked away for trade, a woman.. She hadn’t been so incredibly stupid to even think, to even consider, that perhaps she might have been worth something to Joseph; someone who she barely knew, who she had mindlessly idolised, who she knew would use her as a commodity if the time ever arose.

She instantly went cold; her body went rigid--suddenly her powerful vampire heart seemed to be beating fast and hard. “I bet we can find something warm…” Luke murmured, and as she let the words sink in, she found herself pulling away from him. Her mind reeled, lungs suddenly empty and she staggered away from him, seeing him for everything that he truly was; a corrupt, sleazy, older vampire on a power trip.

Their gazes met, held for a second and suddenly he was looking away.

“You know what…” he spoke, straightening himself out. “I’m kinda famished and I don’t really need to drag you along to get something…” And it went from there; he played the Superiority Card--“why don’t you just run along,” he elaborated--suddenly speaking to her as if she were a five year old child. “I’ll tell Joseph that you were a great host.” Dice moved away from him, a hand suddenly running down the side of her kimono--folding out a crease--when he suddenly flung around, turning to face her, and asked her the question that for the briefest of seconds, took her breath away; “Has Joseph ever hurt you?” he suddenly asked her, and she saw his concern, his pity, his worry.

The question reverberated in her mind as Luke took his leave; she watched as he disappeared down the corridors, his tall figure twisting down the corridor and out of sight. Has Joseph ever hurt you? She thought of Marissa. Has Joseph ever hurt you? She thought of the countless other women who had disappeared--and those that were called to Joseph’s bed at night; those that Joseph, himself, chose to pursue. Has Joseph ever hurt you? Had he? ‘No’, Dice thought to herself, ‘no, he hasn’t’. She glanced around the elegant features of the Manhattan stronghold and confirmed the thought; ‘no, he hasn’t… yet.’

But he could. He could, especially after what she had just done--the tightness shot across her breasts once again and she felt the sudden urge to melt; to saturate; to vanish from the earth. Why, just why, had she been so stupid? All the countless things she had chosen to do, she had… she had set herself up as a sexual object in front of an elderly vampire, teasing and mocking him…

“Do you wear that every day, or does Joseph make you wear that whenever he orders you to your chambers?” The words--spoken in a deep, gravely voice--brought her back to reality; out of her reverie.

Dice spun around; it was the golden haired vampire from before… ‘no, werewolf’, she found herself thinking as she scanned his form--too well-built for a vampire, and he gave off the musky scent of a werewolf. “Does…” Dice began, recapping what he had just said, her bewilderment immediately being replaced with indigence. “To his chambers?” she asked softly, her hands gliding up the green, luscious silk of the kimono. She ran a hand through her hair and appraisingly glanced at the werewolf. “This kimono…” she found herself speaking, her tone deepening, her voice thinning, “this kimono was my mother’s.” A million memories flashed by; her mother’s wardrobe, their sprawling house back in China, flowers slowly falling from long, slanting trees.

She rested a hand against an oak panel, and narrowed her eyes, peering at the other. She could feel power, slowly budding inside her, like a beautiful flower--that calm that she felt on the battlefield, the euphoria that had swam within her whilst she confronted Luke, the dignity she had attempted to shield herself with, when almost everything seemed to be on the verge of going wrong. She let out a light trill of a laugh, before speaking; “I actually find it rather bizarre that you would…” she paused for a second, recollecting herself, “that you would comment on how I’m dressed, when you’ve chosen to, well…” she glanced at his own form of dress--a plan black suit; western type--almost the epitome of cliche.

And suddenly she was laughing, leaning against the golden panels--she wasn’t angry and yet… she was. She was terrified, yet… strangely fearless. She felt pathetic and courageous, weak and strong. The myriad of emotions went straight to her head; she felt dizzy and giddy for a second, her entire world spinning on its axis, before everything settled back into its place--and still, she was laughing; her kimono twirled and she found herself speaking yet again; “Dice.”

[Kirra]

With the fresh blood still warming his veins, the world seemed a little different. It seemed a little more lively, a little more interesting. The street signs seemed to show a little brighter, the sounds a little louder. Even the small droplets of water in the air became more vivid. Their almost microscopic forms seemed like tiny mirrors floating in the air. A true beauty no human would ever see, and most vampires rearly noticed. And the wolves, they rarely lived long enough to see anything.

It took many years before Luke started to take time and look around. He was almost two hundred years old before he truly started to see the real world. The things he missed in the years after he became an immortal. Only after meeting the darker one of his sires children, did he ever really start paying attention. It had been Joseph who first taught him to slow down and take the world in. A memory of a better time.

After then, Luke decided to explore the world and take it all in. In his travels, he had seen the most barren lands, ones truly empty of any life. Then there where lands so consumed with plant life, that no mortal could survive in. Both extreams contained thier beauty. Even this busy city and all it's citizens had it's charm. Luke took a deep breath, tasting the world around him. "I think it's time I get some answers."

Luke made his way back to the Sanquine house. He had only been gone for a short time, but hoped he may hear something from Joseph. When he reentered the building, Luke saw a man speaking with Dice. The smell hit him before he even saw him. 'A wolf. But their is something funny about his scent. He's defiantly not Sanquine.' It never stop amazing Luke how different people smelled. But this smell seemed similar. He knew the smell, but he couldn't place it. But taking in another strong whiff, he placed it. "Conzetta." His words only a whisper.

The Conzetta where known for many things. But above all else, they where known for their knowledge. They gathered information through thousands of informants ranging from vampire to wolf, even a few humans. And among all of the Conzetta's knowledge gathers, Lucius always seemed to know the most. Luke had met the vampire a few times before, but it seemed each time, his identity had change. I tricky vampire indeed.

"Hello again, Dice. I am sorry to interrupt, but I must speak with your friend." Luke walked up to the mutt and extended his hand. "Hello wolf. My name is Luke. And I believe your master and I need to talk. Do you think you could take me to him?"

[Heirosyth]

**Note from Stream: I suggest listening to this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPHmsEoLsL0&feature=related) while reading Heiro's next post as to intensify the desire and lust he so masterfully penetrates you with... verbally.
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She was an angel; a hauntingly mesmerizing angel of darkness and death, immortal and unblemished in her exquisite form; seductive and deadly as her namesake.

Lucius's own breath was sucked from his lips by her honeyed kiss, the warm, moist passion of her lips and tenderly caressing tongue stealing any thought from his mind as her body pressed against his in an embrace that would've set the silver screen on fire. The nearly five-hundred year old Conzetta Elder, who had kissed thousands of women in his lifetime, felt as though he could die right there in perfect bliss. Her prey could never hope to stand a chance; the vampiress could melt the will of God with those crimson lips.

When they approached the mansion, hand-in-hand, it was as though the Vampire Elder was walking in a dream. Everything felt disconnected and unclear, wrapped in a tingling warmth that pricked the tips of his fingers and quickened his heart. She was the perfect drug, and the high... was to die for. Lilith had moved in front of him now, proceeding into the mansion, though Lucius could only gaze silently upon the luxurious silky hair that fell upon her shoulders like midnight rapids. He was not immediately aware of her own reaction to the artistic splendor within, lost as he was upon the smooth ivory valleys and curves of her upper back. While Lilith gazed upon the masterpieces hanging upon the walls, Lucius's eyes traced the moving poetry in front of him, caressing every inch of her back with the brush of his gaze in dedicated admiration.

Lilith glanced back at the Elder, who's eyes she could always feel on her. "Lucius, this is simply amazing," she said, turning to face him across the room. "I'm glad you brought me here."

He watched her gaze fall upon the painting of "Ophelia" by Sir John Everett Millais, and she reiterated that she was already "his". But then, wringing her hands in a display of worry and vulnerability, Lilith glanced nervously at Lucius, then back at the painting of the drowning girl, and whispered her fears.

Lucius, for the first time since the feeding, regained his former composure and approached her, sliding his now warm hands up around Lilith's pale arms and embracing her from behind, breathing in her scent as he now smiled. "You remind me more of Horatio, dear Lilith, than Ophelia..." She tilted her head away and turned towards him with questioning eyes. He loosened his hold on her and allowed her to turn fully to face him, with his hands resting upon her sides, above her hips. With his right hand he brushed a twirling lock of hair out of her eyes while they searched his for answers. Seeing her desperate search, he aided her by reciting Horatio's plea to Hamlet before his final duel:

"If your mind dislike any thing, obey it! I will
forestall their return hither, and say you are not fit!"

For a moment his eyes dwelt upon hers, that mysteriously calm, knowing smile playing across his lips. And then he spoke the lines that Hamlet replied to his dear friend's concerns, answering her as Hamlet answered Horatio:

"Not a whit, my dear for we defy augury:
there's a special providence in the fall of a sparrow.

If it be now, 'tis not to come;
if it be not to come, it will be now;
if it be not now, yet it will come:
the readiness is all.

Since no man has aught of what he
leaves, what is't to leave betimes?"

The Vampire Elder smiled once more, caressing her cheek with his right thumb, and then, as he slid his soothing warm hand back behind her neck, he drew in once more to kiss her parted lips and lose himself in their lush blissful paradise with breathless passion. Lucius's left hand slid around Lilith's lower back and pulled her tight against him, their bodies pressed as closely as their two forms would allow, the heat and intensity between them building with the rapidly quickening tempo of their heartbeats. He squeezed her, keeping her firmly locked within his embrace, and he broke her sensuous kiss to allow his lips to drift over the pale skin of her cheek and down to her exposed neck, where he kissed her skin softly, once... twice...

And then he sank his fangs in, tightening the embrace suddenly, puncturing the perfect surface of her porcelain skin to drink the hot crimson blood her passion and life into himself, listening for her gasp of pleasure and pain as he applied even more pressure. He wanted to apologize, he wanted to tell her he was sorry, but the truth was that he needed her. He needed her now. He drank deeply of her, filling his throat with her gasps, her worries, her memories, her life, her love...

... her passion. His hands slid down over the luscious curves of her supple, sexy form, his left coming to rest underneath her right thigh, lifting it up. Lilith instinctively slid her leg up along Lucius's, wrapping it around as the Vampire Elder dipped her back, his right hand firmly poised upon the small of her back, providing all the support she would need to arch back fully without fear of falling. His hungry lips left her neck and slowly waltzed their way down the vibrantly alive expanse of her breast, rising and falling and flush with the heat of her pounding, pumping heart, beating out its runaway rhythm within. Her dress smelled like her, its scent and heat becoming one with that of the sultry body beneath. Pulling Lilith back up in one powerful, fluid motion, her midnight locks flowed around him once more, falling and dangling upon the rising and falling of her breasts, pressed tight as she was to the strength and heat of the man who held her now so close.

Her eyes were alive, sparkling with the resonance of a passion and life she only ever dreamed of since the night they were first together. And now his hands slid up her back with all the prowling purpose of animal, a predator who knew exactly what he wanted, and how to get it. The zipper came undone, and the dress soon followed leaving her exposed except for her lacy lingerie. Lucius could swear that she was on fire, and the wisps of steam rose from her naked skin, as she purposefully returned the hungry gaze he cast upon her; if he was a predator, she wasn't about to be just prey.

She leaped upon him, wrapping herself around him, their bodies already pressing together in a rising crescendo of need, want, and lust. He caught her, carried her, even as she sank her fangs in to get from him what he took so deeply from her. Lucius felt her nails, felt them dig in like claws, grimaced with equal parts pain and exquisite pleasure as she raked him slowly, deeply, even as she drank voraciously from his ancient, yet newly boiling blood.

The stairs were ascended but a few steps before even deeper desires took hold, and he lowered her down, ripping the last vestiges of clothing from her sultry, vivacious body; her legs sliding up around him, her nails maintaining their hold, even as he took each of her nipples between his lips and sucked and swirled his tongue around them with the molten frenzy of a summer storm. Arcs of lightning shot through her as his hands gripped and caressed her skin. Her hips shifted in anticipation of what was to come, welcoming the rhythmic, thrusting impacts that personified Lucius's ardor and desire. The sweat beaded upon her body like diamonds beneath the candles in the chamber, and Lucius tasted each drop with voracious swipes of his tongue, indulging in the perfume of her scent, the heat of her unleashed passion.

He squeezed her, gripping her thighs with his fingers, devouring the expanse of her stomach with frantic kisses, drunk with the untamed lust and passion of two lovers who had decades of catching up to do. His tongue upon her skin was pure, unbridled erotic pleasure given physical form.

And then he went lower...

Her gasps and cries resounded, echoed in chorus with the tempest that now stirred outside; the pouring rain and flashes of lightning giving sonorous approval with each thunderous boom. As the sky attacked the earth that night, so did Lucius crash into Lilith, driving from her orgasmic screams of her purest ecstasy, sending her into a sheer, spiraling ascent that defied description in any language we have today. She became the tides, the ocean, crashing upon the shore, with breaker after breaker of lust and desire rising and falling upon the sands. And as the ocean clashes and rolls when it fights with the sky, so did she with her seemingly tireless paramour until every inch of her tingled, sensitive beyond words, so that even the slightest breath electrified her entire body with each subtle caress of warm air.

Eventually they found their way to the bedroom, where they would play out their erotic acts to completion all over again, spending themselves utterly before collapsing in each other's arms, the scent of their passion thickly blanketing the air as the luxurious blankets covered their entwined forms.

Needless to say, Lucius didn't feel compelled to answer the call the following afternoon from Hector Roy...

[StormWolf]

Leon stood before his wife, head hung in what felt like shame. His long, dark locks masked his stony face. She was right. He had no right and no reason to be angry at her. The only person he should be angry at was himself, and he was furious with how weak willed he was to fall to the poisionous words of his Tormentor.

Leon's mouth opened to speak, but Acacia had already turned from him and walked towards the bike. "I'm sorry...." he said weakly. He was tired, he wanted all of this to be done. He just wished he could take his beloved to a place that was without war and bloodshed, a place where they could live in peace with their young. But no, the world they lived in was cruel and bloody. It was up to Leon to change the world through fire and fangs.

The Bravado Alpha turned his gaze on Lleyton. Leon's face was like stone and his eyes were even harder and colder, even thought they started to slowly fade to yellow and back to blue. Leon pulled a wad of cash from his pocket with a piece of paper and tossed it to Lleyton.

"Get yourself a cab, outsider. The adress is on that slip of paper." Leon turned his broad back to Lleyton and walked towards his bike, where his wife was waiting. He looked at her, his entire demeanor subdued and defeated. Acacia. She was the only woman Leon said was worth dying for, worth killing for, and worth going to hell for. Never had he ever seen a single person so valuable to him as to cast his own soul in the pit just to keep her safe.

Leon tried to help her onto he bike, but pulled back when she shot him one of "those looks". Leon still kept his head down, as if the gaze of his beloved stung him. It did, in a way. The way she looked at him.... what did he expect. She now knew that she was married to a half-mad Lycanthrope with e murderous mean streak a mile wide. Leon decided it would be in his best interest to pretend his mouth was stapled shut. He revved the engine and took off back towards the motel. His experssion never changed, but his heart fluttered when he felt Acacia's arms around his middle.

Getting back to their room, Leon closed the door behind him and locked it, once Acacia had entered before him, of course. The Alpha peeled off his vest, leaving him bare chested as he went to the sink to scrub off the gore that had started to stain his skin. He rubbed at his muscle-ridden forearms and hands vigourously, frantically trying to remove the stain on his skin.

"God damn it...." he muttered as he rubbed harder and harder. His finger nails split open gashes in his arms that healed quickly. "I am in blood so deep that returning is as tedious as going over... Oceans couldn't clean mu hands of this. God damn it...." Leon rambled, frantically trying to wash the blood from his hands.

[Auki]

“If you have any trouble, give me a ring,” Acacia muttered to Lleyton, handing him a piece of paper that had her mobile number scrawled upon it. Her writing was terrible, her parents never having placed great emphasis on the importance of literacy, but she hoped the digits were at least recognisable. Without another word, she moved towards Leon’s bike, pushing weariness down beneath a mask of determination. Her feet ached and her body felt heavy but she waited patiently, meeting her husband’s eyes with a cool gaze when he approached her. Beneath the surface lay disappointment and annoyance; she wondered if he could see…
The emotions flared as he attempted to help her mount the bike – Perhaps she was being foolish… No, he had gone behind her back. Had he been waiting to be rid of her until he furthered his plans? Had she just been a burden to his schemes? A complication…?

He was in front of her now and her hand reached out to stroke his hair, sharply being withdrawn when the glisten of moonlight reminded her of the blood that matted his locks. The stench was lesser now they were out of the club but it still made her nose itch. She inhaled quietly through her mouth, relieved at the coolness of the night air. There was little that could be done now. The engine revved. He looked stiff; a small glimpse of his face revealed an expression of stone. Even as she wrapped her arms around him, pressing against him, he remained tense.

----

When they’d returned to their room, she watched without words as he scrubbed at himself. She tried to remain passive but, once again, concern began to grow. His actions were growing frantic, his mumbling full of distress. He was seemingly unaware – or uncaring – of the crimson grooves he now left in his arms. Suddenly, in her eyes, he seemed almost helpless.

A pang in her heart caused her to reach out, gently halting his scrubbing. “You’ll do yourself no good like that,” she murmured, reaching to remove a towel from the rack beside her. He watched her and she gave him a small smile, wetting the fabric under the tap and moving in front of him. She ran it over his arms softly, removing any excess blood before running the towel under water again - The hotel staff would be heavily worried by all the bloodstains they seemed to be leaving. The thought amused her. She even chuckled slightly as she cleaned her husband.

“Blood is such a bitch to clean,” she told him in mock frustration, “I must have told you this a thousand times before.” They had been through their share of wars after all. She shifted her hands to his chest, the towel sending miniature streams of red-tinted water cascading over each well-toned muscle, running down his already ruined trousers. She looked down; his shoes were soaked. “You’re a mess,” she muttered, directing her attention to his hair, slick with blood, running her fingers through it tentatively. Her expression turned thoughtful.

Pausing for a moment, she sighed and placed the towel in the sink, unzipping her jacket and allowing it to fall to the floor. Top, trousers, boots and lingerie followed after, forming a misshapen pile as she carelessly threw each item out the bathroom door. She pulled Leon closer, unfastening his belt with ease before pushing him back, “Come on, babe – In the shower.”

Her tone was light, almost happy. Catching her reflection in the bathroom mirror, she hesitated. She could hear her husband undressing behind her but her attention was focused on herself. It had been a while since she had had a proper look. She was not quite as slim, her stomach fuller – She could even make out the beginning of a bump. She stroked it softly, leaving faint red streaks that went unnoticed in her eyes.

Catching Leon’s eye in the mirror, a warm smile illuminated her face.

[Flex]

So… it was official; he was fucked on all fronts.

Fifteen minutes had passed since Acacia and Leon had left him behind; just fifteen minutes for him to waste; to lose himself in some fucking reverie, most likely regarding Ray. “Ah, Ray, if only you were still alive,” he murmured to himself. He watched streetlights slant and refract against buildings, his heightened eyesight pinpointing their thin threads against a seemingly endless series of fluorescent billboards; they were audacious, obnoxious… yet he loved them, nonetheless; the 21st century was the shit.

“Fuck you, man,” he groaned, his fingers clumsily fumbling for a cigarette and lighting it. “Fuck you,” he murmured one last time, before he brought the cigarette to his lips. He invited the taste; succumbing to it--fuck, if only he could lose himself in it, but there was so much shit that he had to get done, and from what Ari had told him earlier, so much shit to come. It seemed that a fight had broken up between a few fucking egomaniacs and now they were all in the shit. Not to mention he had a few freaking errands to run for his great master, being the fucking lapdog that he was. ‘Lleyton the Lapdog’; it had a nice fucking ring to it.

Fifteen minutes later, he would be sitting in a parallelogram of light, emitted from a lone streetlight, mobile phone in hand; people walked the streets; in groups, alone--avoiding company, seeking company… yet they all somehow intertwined; they were human; weak, powerless and all so fucking helpless. Still, though, they were a group; a fucking network? Lleyton, on the other hand, was, well… the fucking caveman had said it well enough; an ‘outsider’.

Acacia writing was near fucking illegible. Her ‘2’s were like her ‘5’s; her ‘7’s like her ‘4’s, and so on. So fucking on. As a result, it took him nearly half an hour--half a fucking hour--to understand what the fuck she had written. Once he’d figured out--more like fucking deciphered--her phone number, he scrunched the scrap of paper into a tiny ball and pocketed it. He had a moment’s hesitation before pressing the ‘SEND’ button--after all, he had fucking seen what Lucius had done to Ray, he didn’t exactly want to see the same happen to Acacia; the last thing he needed was someone-fucking-else’s blood on his fucking hands--but he eventually did so; ‘MESSAGE SENT’. He breathed out a sigh… of relief? Exhaustion? Fucking misery? He had no idea.

Too much had happened in one fucking day--Ray was dead, as well as seemingly ten fucking thousand others, he had laid eyes on possibly the most beautiful woman he had ever seen--and she had been taken; pretty much following the same trend of bad luck that seemed to be woven into the very fucking threads of his life--and he had accomplished ‘Part 1’ of his mission; now all that was left to do was ‘Part 2’ (integrate into the fucking Bravado clan), oh, and ‘Part 3’, as well (go get yourself killed). It was fucking bound to happen.

“Go get yourself a cab, outsider.” That was what the psychopathic caveman had told him; good thing Lleyton was fucking broke; his wallet had a collection of ten fucking cents in it--hopefully Lucius’ fucking appreciation would come to him in the form of a nice, large, juicy, fucking paycheck. In all honesty, he had spent all his money on cigarettes, and all his sanity on that fucking plane trip; he felt almost sucked dry--of energy, of life, of fucking spirit. At the rate things were going, he’d end up as some fucking brain-dead zombie with no personality to speak of.

[StormWolf]

Just to make a complete opposite of Hiero's song. Here is mine! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hKqkSFOaF0)
-----------------------------------

Leon climbed in the shower after his wife, the hot water quickly covering them both. The water that trickles down Acacia's form was pure and clean, while the water following the swell of Leon's muscles was tainted with blood and filth. Acacia squeezed some shampoo from one of the provided bottles and ran it through Leon's midnight black locks. The suds did not remain white for very long, they soon became a rusty red-brown as her nails massaged Leon's scalp, her nails scraping the dried blood from it.

Leon stood there, his hands on her hips, his eyes watching her as she focused on washing his hair. She was so beautiful. Her hair was wet and matted to her neck and back, a few strands in her face. The water made her skin glisten. Acacia took the shower head from the wall and rinsed her husband's hair. When it was finally clean, she met his eyes with a smile.

She turned to place the shower head back in it's slot when she felt her husband against her back, strong hands and thick arms wrapped around her as he kissed and licked her neck. Leon's hands went their opposite ways; his left going down to tease his wife in her most intimate of places while his hand cupped and massages her supple breasts.

They both embraced the wild side of their love, something Vampires could only dream of. Their senses on overdrive as Acacia turned to face her husband, pulling Leon's mouth to hers, their tongues dancing and twirling in a kiss that burned to powerfully with their passion, it threatened to set the building aflame. Acacia's slim fingers went down to grip her husband, pulling him down to the bed of the tub with her, the water still running hot and hitting Leon's wide and muscular back.

Even with the presence of the flowing water, Leon's acute senses were filled with the raw scent of her. No perfume, not outside smell, it was Acacia's scent, that scent she had when she would grab Leon by the hair and drag him to the bedroom and reduce his clothes to ribbons. Her legs wrapped around his hips and her hands dug into his back as they joined as one, their bodies meeting at the waist as they moved together. They were complete opposites; Acacia being graceful and slim while Leon was a bulky brute. The couple kissed passionately, the tongues probing the other's mouth without reserve, their teeth occasionally clacking together. Acacia's hands traced the scars on Leon's back, her nails digging in to the pale skin, leaving red lines of her own as they undulated together, stimulated one another as only those who embrace the wild side can. Their movements were fluid yet savage, graceful yet barbaric. Leon's veins popped and throbbed with his racing heart, his eyes like polished gold as he hungrily embraced the powerful emotions and sensations that burned in his veins.

Acacia's scent flooded his nostrils, washing away all other thoughts like a cleansing tide or a flashflood. He forgot all things but Acacia, his instinct and his emotion driving him on. Acacia's body tightened around him, holding him close and tight, not letting him be anywhere else in body or mind. With a harmonious howl, they reached the peak together and threw themselves into sweet oblivion together. The hot water had run out, now a chilling rain covered the lovers as they remained together. Leon reached up and turned the knob to 'off' smiling at him dearly beloved.

There was a furious banging on the other side of the wall and a stream of curses, telling them to be quiet. Leon just laughed and remained where he was until Acacia saw the time was right to let him out.

The Bravado Alpha's dried one another off slowly, becoming too absorbed and too distracted in their kisses and loving words to be in any sort of rush. Once dry, they both climbed in to bed, Leon spooning his wife, wrapping an arm around her to stroke and caress her abdomen. The trials of the day weighed heavily on them both. Leon quickly fell asleep, his dreams pleasant and happy, dreams of his Acacia and their three pups. The Tormentor only spoke once; not to torment, but to inspire.

It is because of this future we fight, Leon. It is because of this future we give our all. Do what must be done, and you will have this future. You will have your heaven.

[Anne Bonny]

From the driver’s seat in Sol’s Mercedes, Iris eyed the post office warily. She glanced down at the notes she had scribbled onto a piece of scratch paper and then back up to the building. “Okay,” she finally breathed. “Here we go.”

With her coat’s collar pulled up to cover the exposed skin on her neck and large sunglasses to shield her as much as possible from the sun’s rays, she left the safety of the car and trotted into the building. A quick glance at the line and Iris groaned inwardly. There must have been a hundred people in it! Did everyone just happen to decide to come to the post office on the same day?

The PO boxes were to her left, however, and there were a surprisingly small amount of people in that area. Iris turned down one row of golden boxes, then another, and finally came to a stop at box 116. It stared back at her like a treasure chest waiting to be opened, and Iris felt some anticipation building inside of her. But then, slightly deflated, she remembered she had no key. Well, now what?

“Can I help you find something, Miss?”

Iris jumped and turned to find a blue-clad postal worker standing at the end of the aisle. The girl felt a bit cornered, and her heart began to race in her chest, but she fought to keep her cool.

“Um, yes, I need to pick up a package from box 116, but I don’t have my key.”

The man paused, his eyes traveling down, then back up her body. “Name?” he finally said.

“Iris,” she replied. “Um… I’m expecting the package from Conzetta?”

The stranger gave a curt nod and turned on his heels, leaving Iris to breathe a sigh of relief. He returned in what felt like only seconds with a small brown parcel. After thanking him, she hurried out of the post office, holding the box close against her.

Safely back in the car with the doors locked, Iris used a key to puncture the tape and open the box. Inside, wrapped in a thin layer of bubble wrap was a cell phone. She stared at it, bewildered and rummaged through the box for some sort of note or instructions, but instead made a mess of Styrofoam peanuts on the car’s floor. Frowning, she turned the phone on.

There was one contact saved, labeled only as “S” and without a phone number. After some hesitation, Iris pressed “send.”

------------------------------------------------------

It was early afternoon by the time Lilith’s dark eyelashes fluttered open. She found herself in a large, soft bed, covered in sheets that were twisted and wrinkled from the night before. As she lay still, staring into the dim light, the sound of gentle breathing was reassurance that her lover was still at her side. The heaviness of one of his arms was draped around her waist, holding her close against him even as he slept.

Ever so carefully, the vampires turned to lay on her left side and face Lucius. She drank in every feature with her eyes, doing her best to etch each line and curve of his face and body into her memory. The thunderstorm outside has subsided into a soft rain, just as the passions from the night before had been washed away by exhausted satisfaction.

Just the thought of it made Lilith shiver with pleasure all over again. They had made love before, so many years ago, with the same fiery desires and wild need to please the other more with each kiss, each touch. But the sharing of blood, the taste of his very life on her tongue had been a different level of intimacy all together. Despite having been completely worn out the night before and even a bit sore, every nerve in Lilith’s body came alive with desire again.

Slim fingers reached up to trace the marks on her neck where his fangs had pierced her skin, and Lilith’s eyes moved to find the twin wound on his. The scar would fade in time, she knew, but the bond they had formed would not. She was his, Lilith through to herself with a sigh of satisfaction. And the opposite was also true.

As if he felt her gaze upon him, Lucius’ eyes opened to meet hers. Lilith smiled and greeted him with a tender kiss, and he pulled her close against him. Her legs entwined with his and their passions began to rise again… until the infernal buzzing of a vibrating phone came from the nearby nightstand.

Lilith reluctantly pulled away, laying her head back on the pillow. “Our duties awaken in the evening with us,” she said with a melancholy smile. “Although I selfishly want to keep you here in bed forever.”

[Heirosyth]

His emerald eyes opened like those of a sleek, great cat to the vibration of his Blackberry. He sighed. The warmth and silky smoothness of Lilith's body pressed up against his, entwined with his was a pleasure to die for. Her scent was everywhere and he breathed it in deeply before reluctantly turning over to see what was coming in on the damned phone.

To be honest, it wasn't the first time it had buzzed that day. Or the second. Or the third. It had been buzzing quite a bit actually, and it was only with weary annoyance that Lucius addressed its incessant cries for attention now.

It turned out to be a text from Lleyton. As Lucius opened up the message, a slightly conceited smirk spread across his lips: Lleyton, the good boy that he was, had gotten Acacia's number and texted it to him. And now he was ingratiating himself to the leaders of the Bravado pack and proceeding according to plan.

Lleyton... you deserve a reward after all, thought Lucius.

With a few button presses, Lucius approved a nice fat payday to be sent into Lleyton's private account. If that didn't encourage the boy, Lucius could always come up with something else.

The next text informed him that Melisandra was waiting in Hershey. A few button presses later, and the call was put through:

"Melisandra," Lucius began in a smooth tone, "How are things? My information tells me you're in Pennsylvania. Yes, take charge, and tell the boys that if they don't step to your orders, they'll be stepping into their graves. Yes, you're allowed to command them as you see fit, which I must add, paints quite a spicy image." Lucius smiled a suave smile at the thought of the curvaceous Melisandra Vixen clad in tight leather and heels, cracking the whip and ordering those lads to jump.

"As soon as you pick up the arms, head to New York. All communication must be encrypted once you get there. You must run silent and be in position. My information tells me that you need to be within thirty minutes of the headquarters. I will make sure you are kept informed. I will have the Council send you the coordinates for a safehouse wherein you will stay with the boys while you make final preparations. I need you cool and ready, Melisandra, for anything. Things will likely get tense but I cannot have you questioning any of my orders. Every moment, every shot, every step counts and the timing must. be. flawless. Take your people as soon as you have everything ready and head east tonight. I'll be in the area when everything is in place. I shall contact you again, don't worry, and don't do anything until I tell you to. I'm going to oversee this personally. I'll speak to you soon, babe. Goodbye."

And with that, Lucius ended the call.

Another few button presses revealed a message from Hector Roy about two potential recruits. Lucius fired off a text to the Council about sending representatives to meet them, check over them, and induct them in Conzetta as members via the usual ritual. If they checked out, Hector was to be rewarded financially.

Then a message came in about the other new recruit, Iris. The Council informed Lucius that Iris was a member of Sanguine who was interested in working against Joseph. Lucius called one of the members of the Council of Twelve:

"I'm calling about Iris. Yes. She's with Sanguine and not interested in leaving? Clearly loyal then. Could be a mole. Shame really. Let's put her loyalty to use, shall we?

Inform her about Leon and his movements. We have him tracked thirteen ways and can give her precise whereabouts no matter where he goes. Yes, he's watched. I've got Night Cab in Denver, in addition to Midnight Owl, White Lotus, and Yankees Fan heading up connections across the routes the Bravado clan might take. On top of that, we have our man undercover in their ranks.

Tell her that he intends to go and destroy Sanguine. She will of course see that he is heading to their HQ and does in fact intend to kill people.

What if she doubts the information? Tell her to have a look at what Leon did to Joseph's son. Hell, the police are still trying to clean up that mess. I have to hand it to the Wulfschild kid; he isn't subtle.

Makes it easy to point to things though. She'll see the bodies; she won't need any more convincing after that, I don't think.

You can handle it from there. Don't mention me yet. If she's a mole, she could be working for Joseph, in which case she'll be taking Leon out anyways. No skin off our back. Keep me informed. Lucius out."

Lucius turned back to Lilith, lying there in silk like a gorgeous actress straight out of a movie, smiled softly, and then leaned into kiss her upon the lips. And then on her cheek. And then down her neck. Soft, slow, seductive kisses. And then finally ending with a nibble on her ear, whispering:

"We're going to New York, sweetheart."

************************************************** *****

Iris's call was answered by a Council member, who informed her of exactly what Lucius had instructed to tell her: of the massacre at the bar in Denver, of Leon Wulfschild's inconsolable rage, and his murderous desire to destroy Sanguine once and for all. The Council member forwarded the information on Leon's whereabouts to Iris as well as the location of the bar, and a few choice photographs from Conzetta spies on the scene. He was a categorical threat, and it was up to her what course of action she wished to pursue.

What was clear was that Conzetta was willing to aid her, no matter what.

[Auki]

Acacia slid under the covers, thankful to take her weight off legs still trembling with the memory of her recent climax, her sensitivity echoing the pleasure whenever she shifted her thighs. With her head against the pillow, her passion - her energy – began to fade, although her racing heart denied it. She was satisfied. A haze of exhaustion settled upon her as she lay contentedly beneath the duvet. Her husband lowered himself on the bed beside her, his fingers gliding over her skin as he shifted closer. She could feel him pressing against her and she purred her appreciation, her emotions still running high despite how tired she now was.

There was no need for them to speak – They had murmured their affection for each other just moments before and it was getting late. His hand stroked over her back before sweeping over and coming to a rest on her stomach. Moving to interlace her fingers with his, she relaxed against him, dreams soon stealing her from the love of his embrace.


It was hard to accept the arrival of morning. She felt more tired than she had the previous night – A side effect of pregnancy she was sure. Still, she was not one to lie around doing nothing. Lazily propping herself on one elbow, she rubbed at her eyes, squinting in the light. Leon was still asleep – He always was when she awoke. The air nipped at her when she finally abandoned the covers, causing her to shiver, urging her to select an outfit with haste. She recovered her boots and jacket from where they’d been scattered across the floor, donning a dress ( http://media.warehouse.co.uk/pws/client/images/catalogue/products/5063013230/xlarge/5063013230.jpg)and leggings to complete the outfit. She was getting larger after all – She wanted to wear the tighter of her garments whilst she had the chance.

There is so much more I should be worrying about than my clothes… Still, old habits died hard. She was as used to obsessing over her appearance as she was at ignoring Leon’s outbursts of killing. Such things might not have been right but she fiercely disliked change. She had no idea how she would cope with their child, so swiftly approaching. There would be hardships for the both of them. Her hand caressed her stomach, I will not be a bad mother though…I promise I won’t. She would just have to learn to make sacrifices. Plugging her straighteners into a wall socket, she went about fixing her hair, using the heated blades to form loose curls that framed her face, the tips brushing her shoulders. At the same time, she called to Leon, attempting to rouse him from his slumber. After that, she would rally and organise their pack.

As soon as they were prepared, they would leave for the airport.

[Mysteria]

"Melisandra," Lucius began in a smooth tone, "How are things? My information tells me you're in Pennsylvania. Yes, take charge, and tell the boys that if they don't step to your orders, they'll be stepping into their graves. Yes, you're allowed to command them as you see fit, which I must add, paints quite a spicy image." Lucius smiled a suave smile at the thought of the curvaceous Melisandra Vixen clad in tight leather and heels, cracking the whip and ordering those lads to jump.

"As soon as you pick up the arms, head to New York. All communication must be encrypted once you get there. You must run silent and be in position. My information tells me that you need to be within thirty minutes of the headquarters. I will make sure you are kept informed. I will have the Council send you the coordinates for a safehouse wherein you will stay with the boys while you make final preparations. I need you cool and ready, Melisandra, for anything. Things will likely get tense but I cannot have you questioning any of my orders. Every moment, every shot, every step counts and the timing must. be. flawless. Take your people as soon as you have everything ready and head east tonight. I'll be in the area when everything is in place. I shall contact you again, don't worry, and don't do anything until I tell you to. I'm going to oversee this personally. I'll speak to you soon, babe. Goodbye."

The phone rang and picking her blackberry up Melisandra saw on the caller I.D. that it was Stephen. Snatching the phone up quickly she answered it. Hearing Stephens voice again caused a slight shiver to run throughout her entire body. One did not easily forget the touch and caress of a man like Stephen. "Hello, Stephen. Yes, I am in Pennsylvania. Yes, I've already spoken to the entourage you had waiting for me." When in business mode Melisandra always tried to be as professional as possible but laughed a robust laugh and smiled to herself at his comment regarding the spicy painted image but she continued on. "No Stephen, I would never question your orders I know full well who my Lord and master is. Don't worry, if you order it the shot it will be taken. Yes, I can get everyone to New York; as soon as we are there we will head for the safe house and await your call. I look forward to seeing you then. Goodbye babe."

Melisandra hung up the phone and dialed her contact in the entourage that would be traveling with her. A hello was heard on the other end and Melisandra began "This is Melisandra, put me on speaker. You all need to hear this. We have our orders, it's time to move. First we go and pick up our arms, and then we proceed to New York. Once we arrive we will wait to be contacted again. And listen, every single one of you needs to follow the orders with precision and not questioning any of them. We do this for Conzetta and if any one of you doesn't follow these orders to the fullest, I personally will deal with you, the council won't have to. Everyone be downstairs and ready to leave in fifteen minutes, understood." Melisandra heard a murmur of yes rising in the speaker and hung up.

Fifteen minutes later the groups had met in the lobby and were on their way to pick up their weapons. Having secured their weapons they piled into the two vans that had been supplied for them and headed for New York to the coordinates that had been sent to Melisandra's blackberry phone.

------------------------------

Later that day in a safe house not thirty minutes from the Sanguine stronghold found the group checking over their weapons and preparing them for the upcoming event while Melisandra sent an encrypted message to the Conzetta Council via email.

To Conzetta Council:

Have arrived in New York. Are ready and in place and will await the councils further instructions.

It was signed M.V.

Picking up her Remington 700 XCR Compact she checked it over making sure the bolt action still felt as good as it did when she had picked it up.

There was no room for errors. Stephen was counting on her.