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Post by Kaya on Jun 25, 2017 21:35:54 GMT
There was a certain strain to the bar owner these days. It was a type of tension that no amount of distraction seemed to overcome, as there was a growing underlying fear that latched itself on to the back of Kaya’s mind. The vampire tried to stay within her usual schedule of activities. She talked with Rye about life events and let her small bristled friend get ornery of the dangers the vampire seemed incapable of escaping. The scoldings however were always brief, and usually devolved quickly into the personal going on’s of their lives, resulting in subtle jabs and jokes towards each other in the comfort of their friendship. She snuck to Erakin’s when she felt the need for peace that he offered in their ever patient relationship, letting her mind focus on the gentle heart beat in his chest as cold fingers wrapped around his heated hands. Their evenings usually ended with her focusing on the deep breaths and calmed face when he inevitably fell asleep, finding it a challenge to stick to the schedule she lived on by existing only during the night. It was a sense of comfort, watching his mortal needs, though she could never fully explain her fascination and calm whenever he questioned it. She even believed that hosting at her beloved club, sending smiles and cheer towards patrons as they chatted with others beyond just their own species and expanded their personal boundaries would do something to uplift the aching dread that attached itself to her chest. For the most part, these treasures that somehow found their way into her life, that she usually viewed as a blessing from what was once a anxiety inducing existence, could not keep her from realizing that she knew everything was going to come crashing down, and it was her fault. Like it always was. This time however, part of the apprehensive whispers that kept licking at her thoughts was from her own cowardice. Kaya was finding herself unwilling to put in the time she knew she had to in order to prepare those affected by what was stirring in the depths of the vampire territory. She knew that once she did, everything she had built for herself was going to fall apart, and in her own selfishness, decided against the immediate action that may have been beneficial to the wolves. She was ashamed of herself for letting her desire to pretend nothing was wrong in order to keep the fantasy that she was living a good life get between the aid that the pack of Boston demanded of her. But… she still… was unwilling to fully explain just what was happening, because she knew as soon as she did, this life she created would come to a breaking point.
Ever since the meeting took place with the alpha of the Greybacks pack, Kaya immediately began to press her private contacts for information and to stay updated on what the corporate vampires were planning in the northern state. The facts that came back started to carry a heavy weight on her shoulders, for she could only give small details to the alpha that desperately needed to know just how much danger her pack was going to be in. She had sent the warning that they needed to leave New York with the promise she would let them know of the happenings, but hearing that they had been sniffing around so close to the monsters that Kaya hid from created a deep anxiety in the coming future. Contacts were starting to show that there was some hint of disturbance already in Boston. The creatures that she had been hiding from where coming down, and the playtime of being part of the wolf community was going to end. There was an internal struggle of anger of what Morrigan had done, even if she felt it had been the best method to protect her pack, the fear of being found now that her kind from the more provincial social circles were slowly descending on her, and the realization that she would soon have to come clean about who she really was and pray that it wouldn’t result in her immediate death by the colleagues she had grown attached to. Kaya had always known that eventually the rising power from the vampires in the states would come for the wolves, the natural enemy to the undead race, but gods… it had only been a year. Was this always going to be her life? Find a moment of happiness in this undying life, only to have it snuffed out purely because of who she was related to?
A sound of cracking glass startled Kaya out of her reverie, and she looked down to see her untouched blood was slowly seeping through the lines her stiffening fingers caused. With a sigh, she stood from the table in her small apartment kitchen to drain the contents in the sink before throwing the broken glass into the trash. Rye was going to be angry with her. She seemed to have a habit lately of destroying the kitchenware. It wasn’t so much that they had to replace the sets that kept losing their mates, so money wasn’t the concern, but more the fact that Kaya had only recently started to unleash her frustrations out in these small cracks and wouldn’t explain why to her roommate. She was still determined to keep everyone in the shadows, even though both Rye and Erakin knew of where she came from. She just… didn’t want anyone to worry. Bottling these emotions was just easier than facing the coming truth.
Kaya started towards the fridge to grab another bag of blood to dump into a new glass, before deciding she just wasn’t hungry anymore. No doubt she would let her mind go back to its internal wandering and this type of thinking wasn’t getting her anywhere beyond letting that sense of apprehension increase in size. There wasn’t a need to keep feeding the waves of trouble that stirred inside the woman’s chest. Hands were placed on the island counter as options were being considered. She wasn’t supposed to work tonight, and had every intention of going to visit Erakin for yet another quiet evening, but she realized how much she was starting to despise the silence, even with the comforts that her companion brought. The silence brought thoughts and questions, and she didn’t want to be left alone to deal with them. Hands smacked down on the granite top was a decision to go out. Go out, have some damn fun, and hope that the distraction would be enough to chase the troubles away, if only for a few hours.
It didn’t take long for her heeled feet to walk distinctly across the rich red floors of her warm lavish club. She hadn’t done too much to prepare that evening. Makeup had been forgotten with the result of the ethereal violet glow to her face and bared limbs. Her hair of black and violet sprawled in its messy ways of curls and tangles over her bare shoulders, her dark and scarred body was wrapped in a deep red satin dress with small slips for straps, ending just below her thighs. She hadn’t brought her coat she realized once one of her vampire bouncers gave her a questioning look, but she shrugged with a weak smile. She was a vampire. As much as she sensationalized in the heat, the cold couldn’t harm her.
As soon as she entered the threshold to take in the sights of the mixture of creatures that mingled inside the red and gold decorations of the old timely themed building, Kaya actually found herself wanting to slip away. For a moment her mind realized how rash a decision she had made in coming out in need to escape her own worrying thoughts… and forgot her phone to alert Erakin of her sudden intentions in needing something a bit louder tonight. Shit. Red eyes flickered back towards the entrance of her club, considering if she should just head towards his place early instead of making him worry whether or not she would show up at all tonight. No doubt once he didn’t hear from her and find her cell unresponsive the man would fret. She didn’t want to create such a dilemma for her companion, and the vampire paused before taking a step back towards the door. The sudden calling of her name made her head turn back towards the dance floor as a frequent patron recognized her, the wolf smiling in greeting with a wave. An invitation to come and enjoy herself with those she had built this small sanctuary for. Muscles at that moment relaxed with a gentle smile towards the creatures that offered her welcome. Without thinking, perhaps intentionally in her desire for something that solely focused in the bullshit of her life, the vampire glided further in to the club, letting herself be surrounded by the simple pleasures of being wanted on all sides and letting the beaming attitudes still the seeping ache that haunted her mind. Perhaps tonight she could stop worrying over the coming storm.
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Zeko
New Member
Posts: 18
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Post by Zeko on Jul 15, 2017 6:23:03 GMT
Adjusting to this new life had become even more difficult when it came to finding a new place to live. Riley hated the idea of an apartment. He’d always lived in a house, and enjoyed having grass and gardens… But housing options he was interested in were scattered less in the city and more on the outskirts. It took a bit of convincing himself that an apartment would only be temporary… Plus, it would make it a little more difficult for… Those less friendly, to find them. Anyway, it was all they could afford now until he was paid.
Aside from money troubles, Riley was having tremendous trouble with life in general. Phelan remained his roommate, but he found himself avoiding his friend more often than not, opting to wander around when he knew that both Phelan and Nadia were gone or asleep. Riley couldn’t stand how friendly they were with one another. It irked him to no end. It wasn’t that he was jealous… Phelan knew Riley’s feelings for Nadia, and Phelan wasn’t exactly the type to swoop in, especially after the friendship they had established.
It was true that a part of Riley was reminding himself, they were still friends, they were on good terms, they were allowed to have a relationship outside of him. But… why do it behind his back? Why was Phelan allowed a friendship, and not him? It was true he avoided any sort of social media for his own privacy, and everybody’s safety… But how did that give Phelan the right? These were questions he’d been stewing on for the last couple of days and he was finding it harder and harder to be on his own in the silence. He was settled back on the mattress he’d purchased for his… totally white, totally bare, totally boring room… staring up at the ceiling and watching the slow rotation of his fan. He couldn’t do this for one more night. He sat up slowly and he rubbed a hand over his stubbled chin and throat, eventually rubbing his eyes that looked… tired, carrying heavy baggage beneath. For as exhausted as he looked, he had actually been sleeping more than usual here recently. Almost as much as Phelan… As he sat up to sit on the edge of his mattress, his eyes wandered where he laid his keys and wallet close to the head of his bed, and the card he could see poking out of the top, same as the cards Morrigan had handed to all three of them.
‘It’s a safe place, for everybody. Take this card, and they’ll know that you’re a friend.’
Riley pursed his lips in thought. A night to himself might not be such a terrible idea… Luckily Phelan fell asleep as early as he could most nights, and Nadia refused to stay cooped up on her own… even if one of them didn’t accompany her outside of the apartment. He pressed his ear against the wall now for any murmurings of Phelan’s voice, or the gentle sound of Nadia giggling… And when he heard neither, he allowed himself to pull his door open, peeking out carefully. His eyes narrowed as he tried to see through the dim lighting; he could hear voices from the small television he’d bought for the mean time, but still no telltale signs that anybody was home, or would hear him coming out. Good. He turned back into his room and quickly pulled on new clothes; faded jeans, gray t-shirt, and well-worn combat boots that matched the well-worn leather jacket that he’d acquired back from Nadia. He tilted his head out his door for one last glance before he slipped out, and headed straight for the front door. He didn’t give anybody time to talk to him if they did happen to be there, and he slipped out quickly.
Phelan had only been about half asleep when his sensitive ears twitched as they picked up the sound of the bedroom door opening, then the floor squeaking as Riley quickly rushed out of the apartment. Phelan blinked and sat up, his pointed ears perked up and gray eyes staring in silence at the now closed door. He sighed heavily and flopped back on the couch. Riley had barely spoken to him in days, even after they’d moved into this new place. The stubborn Irishman spent most of his nights alone in his room, not wanting to come out, probably drinking by himself. It was usual… minus avoiding him. Phelan rested his head back down onto his paws and forced his eyes shut. Go back to sleep… let it be. Stop thinking about it.
But the more he tried to do that, the more time he had to really stew on the situation. Finally with a weak snarl Phelan sat up, and quickly onto two legs, taking on the form of a scruffy looking twenty-something instead of a scruffy looking wolf. He was quick to pull on his own clothes, jeans and a green shirt, with an open gray hoodie hanging a size too big off of his shoulders, and rather ragged looking black converse shoes. He made sure to run his fingers through his short, scraggly hair (which only succeeded in making it look even more like he’d just rolled out of bed), before he sprang forward, making sure to grab his keys as he locked the apartment behind him and sprinted to catch up to his tall… bull-headed friend. Not too close though… He was stalking a vampire tracker after all.
Phelan followed close behind for a few blocks, keeping his pace steady but far back. Luckily Riley was incredibly easy to pick out of a crowd. After a couple of blocks Phelan tilted his head into the air and sniffed deeply; he hated being back in the city, where exhaust and asphalt were the smells that struck his nose and made him want to hiss and cough it back. But above that now were other, familiar scents. Primarily it was vampire, and werewolf. But there were other, supernatural smells there and slowly Phelan began to realize where Riley was heading. He sped his pace a little bit, darting his way through people in places and staying as casual as he could. For a brief moment he looked down as he pulled his phone from his pocket to read the screen, checking to see if Nadi had texted in confusion to find nobody home… But as he looked up he ran into an extremely broad-chested person… Who happened to have very red hair and a tall build…
“What th’hell are y’doin’?” Riley muttered as he gave Phelan a push back by his chest, sending him back a step before the wolf squared his shoulders defiantly at him. “I was just making sure you weren’t doing something stupid…” “Ah, yes, you woul’ be th’expert there…” Phelan sighed heavily and rolled his eyes, letting his arms drop heavily at his sides. “Okay. Okay! Riley, I’m sorry. I’m sorry you’re stuck here because of me, I’m sorry I tricked you into it, I’m sorry. None of this was what I wanted, but you don’t understand what my rules are like here.” He scuffed a heel along the pavement and sighed heavily. “I still have expectations I have to follow. I don’t like it either, but… I get to live peacefully, and on my own, if I follow through.”
“Happy for ya.” Riley had slowly sunk into himself as Phelan spoke, slowly crossing his arms over his chest, feeling suddenly unwilling to listen to him. Phelan instinctively curled his lip into a snarl as he glared up at the Irishman, shaking his head. “We’ve been friends for years. I hate being stuck here as much as you do. But there are consequences, close to death, but not quite, for me and anyone I’m close to, for not following orders. I’m not exactly high up in the food chain. I’m lucky they let me live after just… Leaving.”
Riley felt a twinge of sympathy for his friend. Yeah he felt betrayed and extremely hurt over this situation, but. He could admit he didn’t fully understand some fundamentals of being a werewolf… He wasn’t one. And if he were one, he probably wouldn’t have fallen under the Omega category…
“… Let’s… go get a drink.” Riley sighed slowly and turned to start walking again, while Phelan stared after him and finally shoved forward to follow along behind. Riley’s solution to everything… At least he had invited him along this time…
When they arrived, Phelan could confirm it by the scent and the aura the place gave off. Phelan had been to places like this that were a lot seedier, that was for sure… But this one didn’t have that feeling. In fact it felt, safe to him, and he could feel himself relaxing steadily as he kept close behind Riley, who was currently leading them confidently up to the bouncer. He pulled the “magic” card free to show him, and waited for Phelan as he fumbled to do the same. After a quick glance over, the bouncer nodded for them to go inside, and Riley didn’t hesitate to push past the threshold. Phelan wasn’t far behind him, eyes darting quickly around to try and take everything in at one time; life could be overwhelming in the city with heightened senses. He’d been out of touch for a while and for a moment his brain went mildly numb as music pumped through his ears and scents assaulted his nose, eyes unable to focus on any one thing. Riley didn’t seem terribly bothered by the atmosphere… However he did notice a vast array of responses to his presence. He was tall and made an appearance in that way… But his hair was vibrant even under the darkness of the club scene, and his generally friendly face was anything but… His mind was everywhere at once, finding it hard to place his finger on one single feeling. He knew immediately his scent was what was giving him away; he was a human, he was not from around here… And he was a slayer.
Still, he remained perfectly casual as he settled into a stool at the bar as far away from other patrons as he could, even feeling slight disappointment as Phelan sat in the one beside him. He made sure to set that “magic” card on the bar as he sat and made eye contact with the bartender… Finally cracking a friendly looking, albeit tired smile at them.
“Could I get a whiskey, please?” Phelan could only smile a little and lift a hand politely with a shake of his head as he was offered the same… unable to help wrinkling his nose at the strong alcoholic scent as it filled Riley’s glass. Had never been much of a drinker… Especially when Riley chose drinks for him. “Soda is great, thanks.” Phelan was doing a decent job at ignoring any attention they were currently getting, keeping his back to the dancefloor but letting himself look to his companion, trying to think of something to say. “… This isn’t what I was expecting.”
Riley nodded his head in agreement as he took a quick sip from his glass. “… Me either. Bu’, s’a ton better than I thought it’d be…”
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Vaidya
Junior Member
Posts: 67
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Post by Vaidya on Jul 19, 2017 5:12:00 GMT
The past few days felt like an anxiety fueled dream that both whirled past quickly with exhaustion but also dragged along in still moments of quiet observation. Nadia was not supposed to be here. In this situation with this company she was now forced to keep close. Her tight scheduele that she had been planning for months was in shambles and she was forced to throw lies at her management team along with her father to explain her sudden absence. It was a mess and a disruption and an odd blend of joy and heartache mixed in there aswell. But after days of fighting this all and being a slave to her uncomfortable amount of emotion, Nadia soon had to accept that however unfair and tormenting this was... there was nothing she could do to change it. She had to talk herself up to convince herself by stepping back from fighting this enormous, ridiculous, supernatural change that she wasn't succumbing to being a victim. It was... difficult. Especially when the previous love of her life would casually walk past in the same bloody apartment as if she didn't exist. The blonde athlete who had been on a clear path into the sports business world had been happy to stay where she was. Close to the few work related activities she was 'permitted' to involve herself with now. But the Irishman had put his slaying hat on as soon as he'd signed that long contract, and continued to reiterate that she should keep out of it and let him do his job. This was what he did. Considering the life threatening occupation was often a trigger in their relationship toward the end, it was no wonder things were icy around the topic.
And upon leaving the hotel, it became quite apparent as she sat waiting for a taxi that there was an incredible amount of people coming and going from the establishment. He was right. Way too high profile if the trio was to remain undetected. Nadia could have very well continued on with her life in the city, but it was both Riley and Morrigan's suspicions that when the Red Slayer began his missions, that any shred of connection to the man would be preyed upon by the enemy. It was how they operated. And how the Greybacks operated aswell apparently. She still couldn't quite grasp how all of this had come together, and how Phelan had been the largest pawn in the entire play. Nadia had been so disheartened and disappointed at first. When her brain finally ticked over that Phelan's middle connection to the both of them had been exploited. She'd wanted to hate him... So badly. She felt that heavy betrayal. But the look on his face when everything came to light just about broke her heart. His face had looked like he'd murdered a puppy. And Nadia knew he was a good, kind and loyal friend not just to her but more so to Riley. This wasn't who he was. He wasn't conniving or malicious or even ruthlessly ambitious like her other 'friend' had been. This wasn't his fault. This was just... a mess.
To gain a conversation with Riley was a delicate matter and something she would always tread carefully towards. Just to get past that resting frown he wore around her was a high accomplishment. But start to bring up Phelan, no way. He was out. Start to bring up the bloody elephant in the room with their complex history and suddenly he had an important date with his whiskey bottle in his room. It was both frustrating and sobering to see the red haired man this way. This wasn't the man she had left behind. Although he had been smart or civilised enough to suggest they all stay under one roof for security reasons, that was about as far as the socialising boundaries spread to. Nadia was mostly glad her warm heart couldn't grudge very well because Phelan had become her saving grace. She fell back into comfortable friendship with the werewolf as if she was still back living in Ireland with the pair all those years ago. They had stayed in contact through social media and Riley had always been a taboo subject. But now... He was right there. Looking more worn and grizzled, but still the strong jawed, handsome, jewel eyed person she'd fallen inlove with. She would catch herself daily as she stared too long at the perfect profile of his face. Or the elaborate blending of tattoos over his muscular arms. Or watching the familiar way he held and tampered with his cigarette the way he used to when deep in thought. Closing her eyes in the next room just to focus her senses more so on the deep, lilting of his voice. Receiving a rushing lurch in her stomach when he gave a rare laugh or smile. She would internally slap herself at first. Fucking, no. Come on mate. This was not appropriate at all. Not really the time when he didn't want to be around her. Way to be a creep. And then she would forgive herself. They had never fallen out of love after all. It just... hadn't worked.
Amongst meetings, working on her laptop, errands and working out (thankfully the apartment complex had a gym she could retreat to at time) Nadia found herself flip flopping between just seeing out this bizarre event in her life, and trying to mend old wounds between her and the Irishman. It would never be that simple. And she would slip up now during late night chats with Phelan. "So he just drinks now huh? Stays in his room and brings home girls?" She could have shaken her own shoulders at the pathetic way she tried to make light of the question when he was appearing so antisocial. Tried so hard to not sound bothered but only ended up wearing a forced smile. Idiot. But Phelan would not respond awkwardly. A gentle truth would always answer her in fact. There had been no one else since her. No other sweet scents of perfume or sweaty musk of a one night stand. Nothing. He was alone. And for the first time in her life, she actually wished that her former insecurities had been true over the fact that Riley... wasn't happy. Such thoughts created a silent whirlpool in her mind as she sat in her room after picking at some dinner that night and wondering if Riley was ever going to venture from his room long enough for her to figure out where they stood. Maybe when he finally was given a mission he would hold some sort of routine or focus point, but until then she would just sit and worry like in the good old days. Those days that broke her with anxiety. At least back then he was sober and slaying. And now...
She had to help. In some way. Nadia was hardly ready to pick up a stake and hammer again as a side hobby, and start getting the job done herself but... just some way of easing this huge weight for him. To prove she wasn't just sitting back and waiting for the pair to solve this problem. Admittedly, she'd decided a day before that she would go to the club that Morrigan had mentioned to them in their unorthodox meeting. It was a neutral zone for supernaturals and one of the Greybacks main informants ran the place apparently. But that was all she knew. If she just checked it out. Scoped out the place... Maybe make her own friends or informants. It was a harmless action really... To do something mundane like this would keep her out of Riley's disapproving tone hopefully. That evening, always the one to plan ahead, Nadia gave a soft apology to Phelan as he began to doze on the couch he had made his bed. She'd 'accidentally' left a long sleeved black top amongst his blankets yesterday. How did that get there. Weird... She gave a soft clear of her throat before she mumbled a vague sentence about going out for a bit to meet up with friends, but she'd be back soon. It wasn't a lie exactly... She still felt a little treacherous as she dusted most of the wolf fur off and pulled the top over her electric blue singlet, the top being large enough to fall off one of her shoulders as she pulled the hem down over her hips. Hips that were clothed in tight jeans, the material down the sides of her legs replaced with a thick layering of white lace. Flowers and feminine leaves that gave her the general appearance of a smart, casual outfit for the night accompanied with some nude coloured heels. At least it had stopped raining and snowing tonight, the ground dry when she finally approached the rather dimly lit exterior of The Black Rose, tucking her long, straightened hair behind her ear as she double checked the address on the small card before stepping toward the entrance. She could practically hear the security guard internally laughing at her. This little girl was lost, lost, lost. He offered her a toothy grin and it suddenly dawned on her properly. Sure this place was going to be filled with supernatural folk but... There would be vampires here. In close proximity. She suddenly felt nervous but... She was literally a doorway away from being useful in all of this. "I think you might prefer some clubs uptown Blondie," the large man smirked. Although polite in words, the condescending tones gave Nadia's confidence a little shake. Instead she set her jaw and flicked her hand up at him, the guest past card perched inbetween her pointer and middle finger without a word. The man's smirk was gone and replaced with a raise of an eyebrow. "...fine. Go on through," he sounded a little torn, as if perhaps he shouldn't be allowing a tiny human entrance to such a potentially dangerous crowd. "Thanks," she flashed her signature bright grin, clopping past in her high heels before the smile was gone in place of parted lips as she took in the layout inside the club. Well... This was certainly different to her experiences with the cold and almost medieval feel of the Irish vampire scene. She took to exploring as soon as she shed her coat, grabbing a beer from the bar and wandered the layout of the business. It was actually tasteful and... modern? Even the clientele seemed... like if she passed them on the street she wouldn't have said to herself 'well he was a bloody vampire for sure'. She felt a few eyes on her, and she knew the smell of her species would earn her such looks. Which was why she had attempted to dilute it a little with Phelan's scent. She wasn't stupid enough to think she would waltz around as an undetected human, but at least she wouldn't stand out too much. Surely friends or partners of vampires and werewolves were invited here.
"Haven't seen you here before... friend of Phelan's? I heard he's back in town," and instead of dodging shady characters and stiff conversations, Nadia found herself suddenly immersed in a small web of Phelan's friends, some packmates and others not. And it was just as if she had gone to a human club and ran in to some mutual friends. She couldn't help but give a few timid smiles and overly polite answers to some questions, but then she realised these people were genuinely just out for a drink and chill with their friends. She began to ease into the comfortable group quickly and soon her bright, extrovert self finally clawed to the surface after almost a week of being covered with a depressed haze. She drank a few beers and even went out on the dancefloor, laughing and mingling. Bouncing from one conversation to the other and using her association with Phelan as a stepping stone. The blonde woman almost forgot why she had originally come to the club... And had presumed she would leave after one drink. It was now alot later and the clientele were growing in number. Even she noticed the unusual shift in the traffic around the bar as a broad shouldered man with flaming hair approached a stool. "...you've got to be fucking kidding me," she whispered in a strained voice to herself before turning her back toward the pair she had escaped from and raised her pint glass to her mouth for a long drink. She was a little merry from her rare lapse into social drinking but not bloody drunk enough to deal with getting reprimanded by Riley. Always at the same bloody bar as her these days apparently. "Hey guys, it was really nice meeting you but I better get goi-" "Oh! No way! Phelan's here HEY!" And although she was small enough, Nadia felt herself shrinking down further beside the werewolf woman who called out in a friendly and oblivious manner. In a slow movement, Nadia warily peeked over her shoulder from behind her long hair, large blue eyes landing on her room mates at the bar with a subdued finger wave.
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Post by Kaya on Jul 21, 2017 8:52:08 GMT
Everything that surrounded the vampire was hot. Rough, steamy breath hit her iced skin as companions and strangers alike jumped and jutted around her. Skin flushed with life rolled over her bare limbs and the scents of sweat filled her nostrils. This was why she loved to dance, in the middle of the floor surrounded by bodies that carried the hints of mortality that she could never have again. In mind and thoughts she was alive, but that was all. Her blood was cold and her heart was still. But here, in the mix of the supernatural, Kaya couldn’t help but smile as the dark creatures that swarmed her filled her with a false sense of life as hearts pounded and hands swept over her. She rocked her body towards the heated wolf that invited her to join in to the beat of the loud blaring music that pumped through their ears, bracing her arms around his shoulders and laughed towards him. It had been a long time since she had heard herself laugh in such a careless manner, and so did others. It didn’t take long for the other to chuckle back as his hands found her waist to pull her closer. For a moment, Kaya let herself forget the responsibilities she had towards the man that was waiting for her call. She let her need to be selfish take over as her body pressed into the warm body of the wolf that desired her attention. She had forgotten how much fun her club was supposed to be. It had been weeks since she had fully lost herself to what was fun for her. How easy it was now to let loose to the beat of the music.
The shift of the club however was enough to at least startle her back into reality. There was a general shift of wariness that prickled from the outer layer of the dance floor, and it was enough that the bright crimson eyes of the owner glanced around, pausing in the middle of her sways to try and read the new tense atmosphere that her customers released. The wolf still held her waist as he tried to whisper her back into complacency of joining the crowd, but Kaya smiled warmly up at him with a shake of her head, reaching down to his wrists to pull herself away. This club would only work if she kept the peace, and right now there was a fleeting danger that was glistening over her beloved safe place for these people. As much as she would have loved to keep up the pretend act that she had a normal, carefree life, her promise that this building offered meant more. And that thought finally sobered the woman enough to make her back from the man and towards the edge of the dance floor, away from the heat and warmth and impermanence and replaced with her own cold and smell of blood that forever lingered on her skin.
Kaya was barely at the edge of the dancing crowd when the small whispers of dread turned to urgency as she smelled the human that made his way to the bar, before finally seeing him as the bodies dispersed behind her. It wasn’t the fact that he was large, menacing in facial expressions, and seemed to not care about the fact that this bar was teeming was creatures that weren’t like him that made the small vampire widen her eyes and lips part slightly in alarm. It was the recognition of who he was. It wasn’t often that humans made an impression on her, but this was a slayer. One that held a unique reputation amongst her kind across the ocean. Memories took over her mind briefly as she recalled the face of the Red Slayer that left an imprint on the vampire royals she had surrounded herself with when she lived in France. They kept tabs on the human who had been hunting their kind in their European counterpart, Ireland. The bloodlines at the time only watched and observed as he wiped out the filth that had managed to infiltrate a town. He wasn’t a threat beyond that, but there were definitely talks of his reputation and what would be done if he tried to do more. And here he was, in her bar, ordering her alcohol.
A mixture of emotions swept over Kaya as she struggled at first with what to do. There was of course the question on whether he had been hired to go after her. She wasn’t an idiot; there was a large number of royals who held a grudge against her and could potentially hire a mercenary. Logically though it wouldn’t make sense. He had shown before how much he hated vampires, so why would he allow one to hire him? Why then would he decide to show up to a club that was run by one. Kaya smacked her fear to the side as she headed for the bar, swallowing the worry with a terse smile. There wasn’t a need to show her true emotions to her patrons. What the Slayer had done in Ireland needed to be done. She wouldn’t fault him for his actions. But she couldn’t just let him waltz in here without doing something. Werewolves may have been safe, but there was always the occasional loner vampire that sought company inside these walls, and she couldn’t allow a fight if any other recognized the man for who he was.
She smiled towards her bartender before slipping in to the mixtures of drinks and blood that was offered and headed down to the end where the two men tried to hide at, though failed miserably. Curious eyes of patrons that had been staring at the human now watched as the owner reached down to grab at the card Riley had placed on the counter top. Delicate scarred fingers plucked it up and dragged it in front of her face, pursing her lips at the recognition of the invitation that was given out to those who were trustworthy enough to receive one. Ironic now.
“I feel I should be taking that as a compliment.” Was her introduction. Kaya’s voice was sweet in its nature, intentionally so as she didn’t want to raise any alarm bells. She doubted the man would attack in the midst of such a magical oriented establishment, but the same couldn’t be said once her patrons thought she was facing a threat. She held a smile for now, fangs and all, as she spoke towards the human, but her red eyes were cold and calculating as she watching for any fraction of ill will towards her. The vampire leaned forward slightly with the card still in hand, placing her elbows on the dark wood and parting her lips to speak up again before a shout was heard over the music, and her head turned slightly as a crowd was watching the pair she was ready to interrogate. Amongst them a human, and some Greybacks that had been here before. Eyes narrowed at the idea forming in her head that her annoyance of an alpha had something to do with the threat that was across from her, and she looked back towards Riley. He wasn’t going to slip away so easily.
“You have one minute, Red, to explain why you’re here, in Boston, in my club.” It was enough for the human to know that she knew who he was, and how much danger he was going to be in if he decided to try and join the group that wanted to invite them to their gang. Gods. All the vampire wanted tonight was some fun. She should have just gone to Erakin’s. Obviously this was punishment of some sort.
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Zeko
New Member
Posts: 18
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Post by Zeko on Jul 26, 2017 5:15:16 GMT
If there was one thing that Riley had enjoyed since his arrival to this strange city, it was the feeling like he was just another face in the crowd. He had been born in, raised in, and lived in the same town always. Everybody had known everybody… Which had made his job in eradicating vampires that much harder. He hated vampires. Those vampires. The vampires here had done him no harm, in fact, even with the stares he was receiving, it was a relatively warm welcome. No one had walked up to threaten him and they’d gotten in easily. But he had sensed that was only going to be a matter of time; he didn’t exactly blend into the rest of the clientele. He towered over quite a few people in here, and his hair was only like a beacon in the crowd. He would remember his hat next time that was for sure… There was, unfortunately, not a lot he could do about his scent. He was a human, and he was a slayer, there was no hiding that from the supernatural. He had ditched his weapons not long after they had their place, however… Morrigan had assured him this breed of vampire didn’t go down as easily as their ancient, European counterparts. Bringing weapons into a safe haven would have been the biggest mistake he could make tonight…
It was lucky for him too, because just as a drink was being set in front of him, his eyes landed on the small woman currently making her way in behind the bar, on a beeline directly toward him. He gave the bartender another genuine smile, pretending he was completely oblivious to every set of eyes following the small woman his way. Phelan, however, wasn’t so cool about it… shifting nervously as the scent of vampire hit his nose, but not just any vampire… This whole place had this woman’s underlying scent. This was her… The one Morrigan had spoken of. He didn’t have time to warn Riley, his dry mouth remaining shut even as his own drink was slid before him, gray eyes fixated on Kaya as she picked up Riley’s card and inspected it carefully.
Riley took pride in his skill at reading body language; he’d spent many an hour as a kid listening to his drunk father brag about his vast knowledge of body language, winning poker games and even cheating and never being caught because of it. Being one of the rare times he actually spoke to him, Riley had listened to everything his dad would tell him and remembered always; he’d never used the skill to gamble or cheat, but it certainly had been handy for him in meeting as many people, supernatural and non, as he did regularly. Right now, though this small woman’s smile was bright, and her tone cheery… Her eyes told Riley everything he needed, and he knew immediately she was extremely unhappy that he was here.
“I think y’deserve a complimen’. Morrigan said y’place was a safe haven, but I wasn’ expectin’ it t’be so… Warm, either.” There was no hint of sarcasm in his voice, or malice in his eyes. He was being truthful, and he sat up a little straighter as he allowed his gaze to meet hers. He’d said it already, his welcome hadn’t exactly been friendly per say… But he wasn’t completely unaware of his surroundings. He was a slayer on supernatural territory. In spite of that, nobody here was tense or angry, everybody was having a great time, laughing and dancing… Peacefully. It was nice, compared to the world he’d come from… Riley’s head turned, as Phelan’s snapped to the crowd with the shout, hearing a voice call his name over the music… and blinking dumbly a few times as he saw. Well. Nadia’s blonde head caught his attention first… And then, he realized there were friends in the crowd. Friends he hadn’t seen in years, and a smile suddenly brightened his face as he lifted a hand to wave enthusiastically. Riley looked far less pleased, his own eyes fixated on Nadia with a dumbfounded look on his face. What in the hell was she doing here by herself?!
Ugh. He had no time to question her… He was currently being questioned himself, and now he forced his gaze back to Kaya as a new tension filled her voice. And suddenly an unexpected wave of anxiety hit him. He was an awful long way from home… How did this woman know who he was? He breathed in deeply as he collected his thoughts, closing his eyes for a moment… and lifting his glass slowly to his lips. He knew who she was… Her aura of authority gave her away even without Phelan giving him a warning. He hadn’t come in with any intention of harm… He was a slayer, yes, but the vampires here had done nothing to him personally at all. Not to mention, he actually respected the work she was doing, and that this was a place of solitude… a sacred space. He wasn’t about to ruin that, despite what she thought his intentions might be. Finally, he let out a slow breath, and allowed his tired eyes connect to hers again.
“I didn’ come in here t’make trouble.” He paused and he glanced into the crowd again toward Nadia, before tilting his head up to add on to his response with a tired sigh. “… In fact, I’ll be real honest with ya. I really jus’ came here t’avoid m’roommates, an’ they’re terrible at takin’ hints.”
“Tch. I can take a hint. Raven!” Phelan slipped out of his bar stool to hop into the crowd where his friends were with a wide grin, happily accepting a few hugs and leaving Riley to watch after him with a shake of his head and a deep sigh as he gave up and downed the rest of his drink in a quick gulp.
“Look, Morrigan said this was a safe space. My frien’ there is the Omega in her pack an’. Long story short… I got packed in here t’help her with. Whatever petty bullshit she’s involved with now.” He shrugged his shoulders and gave her a slightly stiffened smile. “I don’ really understan’ bu’, I don’ hafta, I guess…”
Phelan finished with his greetings and went immediately to Nadia, giving her a smile and setting a hand on her shoulder. He was protective over the small blonde woman, sure… But he knew exactly what she’d been going through the last couple of days, and she deserved her own opportunity to escape. No safer place than one full of werewolves, when you were their friend… And it looked like she’d had no problem finding those… “Well look at you, visiting supernatural bars at unusual hours by yourself! I think Riley’s going to pop a blood vessel when we get home…” Luckily he seemed distracted now, and Phelan was feeling more upbeat than he had in. Awhile… He hadn’t considered that this could be a good thing for him, too. Just that he was ruining their lives… But, seeing old pack mates, faces he hadn’t seen in years… well… In a way, it was sort of nice to be home. “But, Kaya has him leashed up now, so we should have a little fun before he comes to kill it!”
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Vaidya
Junior Member
Posts: 67
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Post by Vaidya on Jul 26, 2017 8:04:03 GMT
She actually felt nauseous for a moment. As if the booze was turning on her, but no. It was just that little whirlpool of emotion that liked to try and confuse her as of late when it came to the Red Slayer. Phelan's friend who had called out was quite oblivious to the sinking look on Nadia's face but that didn't stop Phelan hopping off his stool to weave over toward the small group that appeared more welcoming than his drinking partner. Nadia took another long drink from her pint before centering herself and flashing a smile that bordered on wary. Like a child that was attempting to charm their way out of trouble perhaps.
The fact that Riley and Phelan were here together though, that realisation perked her brain up a bit. They hadn't really hung out since all of them had been heaped in together in all of this. So, that was something right? "Hey," she greeted with a minute glance over the werewolf's shoulder toward the Irishman who was now talking to someone standing on the other side of the bar. A woman? "Hmm?" Her attention was drawn back to Phelan and his friendly hand on her shoulder, her smile devolving into more of a sheepish one as he spoke. "Yeah, well. I'm a big girl... kinda," he was only half serious at least and wasn't scolding her. Which was exactly what she was expecting from the Irishman by the time he caught up with them. Or... if he did, anyway. Her dark blue eyes darted back over toward the bar, the long dark hair of a woman obscuring her view of the conversation mainly, but not enough so that she couldn't see the little smile from Riley. The small blonde woman felt the twist in her guts and the heavy weight on her chest. She wanted to physically exit her body, slap herself for being so stupid and then re enter her body fully healed of immature jealousy. But she couldn't do that so she thought it best to turn her body back toward the group of friends and force her smile and laid back composure back onto her face.
"Oh right. Who's umm Kaya?" She asked while raising her glass to her lips again. "Oh she's the owner honey. The one I was telling you about?" Raven piped up beside her with a friendly smile, "Probably about the nicest vampire you could meet really. Brought alot of peace around here and knows how to get out into the club aswell." Nadia couldn't help but raise one surprised eyebrow. A nice vampire? Raven gave a little wink toward her new friend before a sly grin began cruising across her face as she zoned in on Phelan. "And you. The hell you been you mutt? Where you been hiding? Surprised Morrigan didn't chase you out of town. Or more of a question, where have you been hiding this one? Your girlfriend is adorable and way more fun than you haha!" Nadia's wandering thoughts and emotions came to a screeching hault, half choking on the mouthful of beer in her mouth before turning away from the group to cough a little and regain her composure.
"Oh no no!" It seemed Phelan was chiming in at the same time to correct his friend also. "Yeah we're not. I'm not. Just no, ew," she was busy holding up her hands and probably subconsciously took a little step away from Phelan just to emphasize the fact. Maybe saying 'ew' was a bit harsh though and she couldn't help the small laugh that bubbled up from her chest. "I mean, you're lovely mate. Not 'ew' for someone else I'm sure," she grinned her signature broad faced smile and just like that she was back into the swing of socialising, ignoring the feeling that perhaps she could be leaving. And avoiding conflict with the red head at the bar.
"S-sorry!" Raven apologised with a laugh aswell, "I mean. You got his scent all over you so I just presumed..." Nadia felt Phelan's eyes on her before she dared to give a slow look up to him. Her smile faultering a little into a mildly wincing expression. "I might have... 'accidentally' left my top on the couch... what? I didn't want to stick out like dog's balls!" That terminology was perhaps too specific for her new werewolf pals who erupted into laughter. "Well a friend of Phelan's is a friend of ours, alright?" "Yeah thankyou," she was genuine in her thanks and gave a warm small smile before looking down to her beer and swirling the rest of the liquid, waiting until there was a distracting moment of conversation before turning to Phelan more privately. "You came together?" She asked curiously, more leaning toward a hope of the pair mending their broken friendship. But she had to purse her lips a bit in awkward disappointment when Phelan corrected her assumption. "I just.. thought I'd scope out the place. That's all. And then I met your friends and... you think I should go?" She was just... tired of all this tension, and even though she had thought this was something useful for her to do, Nadia didn't want to be adding to any more stressors to any of the trio.
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Post by Kaya on Jul 26, 2017 23:25:44 GMT
Kaya knew she wasn’t going to be wrong that Morrigan had something to do with the fact that a reputable slayer was currently sitting across from her, but the acknowledgement that this was the alpha’s fault didn’t ease the vampire’s nerves. If anything Kaya felt her body stiffen as she watched to see if there would be any hint of recognition of who she really was as her crimson stare bore down into the emerald blue of the young man’s. Just what was that short tempered woman getting at, allowing a vampire slayer of all people an invitation to a club that was run by creatures he made a living off killing?
It was… surprising to say the least, seeing the initial reaction the human had towards Kaya’s question, and she couldn’t stop the eyebrow that rose in curiosity. If anything he seemed to become just as stressed as herself that she recognized him. But it wasn’t mutual. There was no hint of recognition towards her, or the things she had done. That alone made the vampire slump her shoulders and become less of a threat as she waited for him to find his words to answer her. She was safe, at least for now. But it didn’t make things any clearer about why he was here in the first place, and what the alpha wanted with him. She watched him carefully as he exhaled the deep breath and finally looked back up towards her after a drink. She could see the strain in the tired eyes, and in response she lost the icey stare down she had initiated the conversation with. Looks like the vampire wasn’t the only one having troubles while being in this city. She could relate a lot to that look. She had been tired for days.
If she had been more comfortable, she would have snorted at the idea of a slayer not wanting to cause trouble. But she kept the neutral expression as she let herself process this somewhat unwanted conversation. She also wasn’t fond of the fact that the wolf with the man allowed himself to escape, but she trusted the Greybacks that called him over. That at least gave Riley more of a chance to explain himself before she came to any quick conclusions. They were a good crowd, and they wouldn’t let danger come into the home that the little woman made. Though she felt at that moment she couldn’t say the same for their alpha. She wasn’t even given a heads up on all of this, after the effort she had been putting in to keep the silver haired wolf in the loop about the going ons with the New York vampires. It was frustrating to keep getting surprises thrown at her face, but it seemed that she wasn’t the only one. Kaya finally expressed an emotion with a sigh and a hand that ran through her hair in exasperation, looking away from the human after he conjured up the smile.
“Damn it, Morrigan.”
They were going to need a drink. The potent smell that came from the remnants of his now empty glass sent the lithe woman a couple steps back before allowing herself to turn to grab towards a bottle of whiskey on the back shelves. She still wasn’t happy with any of this, but Riley had shown enough to help her feel she wasn’t going to receive any immediate danger, so turning her back was her own little display of trust and openness towards the man. She closed her eyes with a small sigh to herself, composing, before turning back towards the human to refill his glass and placed his card down back beside it. This was a place for second chances, and even a man with his reputation deserved at least that. It wasn't as though she was free from sin.
“To be honest myself, I don’t think even she still fully understands what she’s involved with, Riley.” She placed the bottle down beside his glass and leaned her elbows once again on the counter, balancing her chin on the palm of a hand as she looked up towards him with a slight frown. Little gears were turning in her head as she worked out why this man was here, and it made her uneasy. Morrigan was… ignoring her request, or at the very least trying to work around the deal she had made with the wolf. She had only requested to keep her wolves out of New York after all… and she knew Morrigan was going to use that to weasel her way out of the idea that she broke their contract for the information the vampire was giving. So she hired one fucking human? Or… were there more in the city? She was tempted to ask before the eruption of laughter made her yet again looked towards the crowds of the pack mates and suddenly an embarrassed little human, and she couldn’t stop herself from smiling at the scene. Remembering the look Riley had made when he saw the other human being here, possessive protectiveness, she decided to speak up.
“Your little friend seems to be socializing quite well. Don’t worry, Raven will make sure that girl sticks with the crowds that are more accepting for diversity. In here, we watch out for each other, regardless of where we come from.” Something Kaya felt the alpha was not understanding, which was leading to her making stupid decisions. The smile faded as red eyes slid back towards the slayer, and absentmindedly fiddled with the purple gem tethered to her scarred neck with her free hand.
“Morrigan cares for her pack. I know that much. She thinks what she’s doing is helping to protect them, but… I think that’s what’s going to get us killed.” She paused, rubbing at the stone as though conjuring up the needed courage for the next question. “She wants you to go to New York, doesn’t she?”
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Zeko
New Member
Posts: 18
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Post by Zeko on Aug 6, 2017 21:09:39 GMT
Riley could see the cogs turning behind Kaya’s eyes as she ran through her response to him silently. Luckily he could also see a bit of her anxiety ease and that made him relax as well. At least she did no longer perceive him as a threat. He wasn’t… Not here. He was just another patron. He wasn’t here to gain information or scope out new territory. He literally just wanted to get a little buzzy and get out of the damn apartment for a little while. His career was about to take over his life, yet again.
He couldn’t help the slight arch of his eyebrows as Kaya casually turned her back to him. He knew exactly what she was doing, and he relaxed himself even further, letting his elbows rest into the bar casually. There was no reason to worry… It seemed they had quickly reached an understanding. And it seemed they felt the same about the Greyback’s Alpha, which brought a brief, satisfied smirk to his face. At least he wasn’t alone in that. He watched more tension melt out of her shoulders as she braced herself to turn around, and his eyes dropped to the bottle she brought with her. It was different than the one the previous bartender had used, and he knew why immediately as it was poured into his glass. This whiskey was stronger and darker and richer, and the exclusive card she had taken was being slid alongside his glass as well.
Riley lifted the glass and gave her a brief nod of appreciation, pausing before he sipped as laughter erupted in the crowd. His eyes wandered over, and he did everything in his power not to smile suddenly at the obvious look of bashfulness that crossed over the small blonde woman’s face. The face he’d loved to tease her about, especially when she used those off the wall Australian euphemisms and phrases. Now he just felt an edge of anxiety over it. He wasn’t supposed to have these feelings anymore, he’d worked past them, he’d convinced himself a long time ago. Now though, this was getting admittedly harder and harder to face when he had to see her every day. Maybe ignoring her now wasn’t the answer but it was so hard when it was sending his heart and his head into confusing loops…
He looked hesitantly back to Kaya as she spoke up. Could she hear his thoughts or was he just screamingly obvious? He shook his head a little bit as if to brush off that he was feeling concerned, trying to seem more. Aloof. Failing, but trying. “Nah. I mean… I trust’em. Haven’ had any sense o’danger here…” He knew she was safe and he was avoiding admitting his feelings out loud. When the subject turned yet again, she quickly had his attention when she brought up Morrigan, and the Greybacks. So the woman did have some sort of soul. She was doing this for the good of her pack; at least that was what she told herself and that was enough for Riley to feel some sort of empathy. He hated the empathetic part of himself in this line of work but it was hard to avoid; what he’d done in Ireland was what he had felt was good for his home, and his family… It was difficult to hold someone else at fault for the same feelings.
As the small woman spoke, Riley realized quickly that this was friendship more than worth pursuing… Kaya seemed more willing to give at least some information than the icy Alpha had been. She was already certainly more friendly and understanding about all of this. Kaya knew everything that was happening, clearly, and she could help to light the way for him on all of this… He didn’t like to be used. It explained his anger toward Phelan, it was just easily projected there because of his connection to the pack. He knew it wasn’t his fault, deep down… But he’d been so frustrated and disagreeable recently, Phelan was an easy target. If he knew more of what was happening… It might help bring a little peace to his mind. He didn’t want to get caught in the middle of a supernatural civil war, and now that’s exactly where he was stuck.
“… Yes.” New York. Kaya did know what was happening. He set his glass back on the bar and met her eyes again intently, brows furrowing together a little in his blind curiosity. He had so many questions. “She does. But… Why? Wha’s so big an’ bad it concerns a pack o’werewolves? Why does she have you hooked in?” He had gotten little to nothing but names and locations and vague information about any of this… Yet he was expected to shut up and follow through. He’d signed a contract after all.
Phelan could see the distressed look that he was about to lecture her and smirked when it quickly melted away. She should have known him better than that by now… His eyes followed hers to the bar, and as those jealousy tinged words followed he couldn’t fight a dry smile. Before he could tell her there was absolutely nothing romantic about the interrogation he had heard before he had scampered away, Raven piped up to answer for him. And the subject was aptly changed as attention came back to him and he had to smile sheepishly as he explained where he had run away. “Uh, well, Ireland…” He paused again as ‘girlfriend’ came out, and he was quick to chime in with Nadia. “Oh, no… no, not…” He stopped short at the ‘ew’ that popped out and looked incredulously to the tiny blonde woman. He rolled his eyes as she “saved” herself and crossed his arms, moving swiftly onto the real question: why did she smell like him?
He stared flatly as she made her admission… But it broke quickly as he joined the rest of the pack in raucous laughter; a pack of werewolves couldn’t do anything quietly… He wiped his eye a little with a wide grin as he leaned down to listen to Nadia’s more private question, and pursed his lips together tightly as he shook his head. “I sort of followed him here, and he caught me. He didn’t try to make me go home at least… I mean. Not that hard anyway.” He shrugged. It was progress… Maybe Riley would forgive him yet...
He was quick to shake his head as she brought up leaving again. “Nah. You’ll be okay… I was only kidding before… He wasn’t in a great mood when we got here but. He hasn’t blown his top yet and Kaya doesn’t seem upset so. It’s looking better and better at least…” He smiled then a little wider. “Just relax.” He rocked his shoulders a little to the music and grinned down at her. “I'm actually kind of excited you can meet my friends… It’s good to have them in this city…”
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Vaidya
Junior Member
Posts: 67
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Post by Vaidya on Aug 11, 2017 15:00:30 GMT
She was trying desperately to relax and enjoy herself, and the new people around her were surprisingly aiding in that instead of hindering with the stigma's lodged into her brain of supernatural folk. It was just proving to her now that things were alot different here than Ireland. It was now like comparing a medieval world to the modern world of coexistance. And Phelan's zen energy now beside her helped Nadia settle into herself once more. This had been a bizarre week full of drama on all fronts, but now it was alright to just switch off and be present in this unique moment. Had she stayed on scheduele with her business trip, her boring little world would have been stuck in board meetings and perhaps Brandon might have weaseled his way into making her think he actually was a good person. Although the frustration had been ripe to begin with, she'd slowly accepted that she couldn't control any of this, and her business venture between her sporting career would just have to wait.
The small blonde downed the rest of her beer, plonking the pint glass on a table before a more relaxed smile and nod was sent toward Phelan. She took a moment to just appreciate the easing of stress from his own frame. He'd certainly had it rough the past few weeks, and gaining back any form of friendship from the Irishman was sitting well with him it seemed as she saw his shoulders begin to sway a little. "C'mon then! Let's go dance," she flashed a grin up to him and began to walk, Raven stopping mid sentence with the person beside her to announce a very loud "YES!" before hooking her arm with Nadia's and dragging her faster toward the mass of people of different species. And she felt safe. She didn't dare look back at Riley and forced her way into the heavy bass that commenced as the DJ bled songs into one another, swaying along and disappearing beneath people's taller frames quite quickly. It only took one song before she was pulling her loose long sleeved top over her head and ditching it on a table aswell, her form fitting blue singlet allowing her skin more breathing room amongst these walking heaters known as werewolves. A few recognisable songs from earlier years made her smile and make eye contact with her new friends, the liquor loosening them all up for goofy dance moves and over enthusiasm with song lyrics.
It wasn't until she brushed up against another friend who greeted Raven with a welcoming shout over the music did Nadia realise the shocking difference in temperature. This was a vampire, skin appearing perfect and youthful but almost made of ice. Her smile was perhaps a little strained when she was introduced via Raven, not catching the pearly skinned vampire's name over the music but she didn't hesitate when she was beckoned by the undead woman to come forward. "We don't get many humans here," she heard her voice now. But it wasn't luring her in or making an ominous point. It was a genuine comment and Nadia didn't really know how to respond apart from blink up to her. "Don't worry. This is a safe place," the brunette spoke as if she could read the small woman's mind before lifting up her wine glass, "We drink voluntarily donated, blood here, infused with wine and liquor. Makes life a bit more civilised and interesting don't you think?" Nadia's eyebrows shot up with interest at such a revelation, asking a few details about the amount of vampires that had access to this kind of food source. "I know some who even travel up from New York for it," Nadia's swaying to the music faultered somewhat at the mention of the enemy territory that Riley had been employed to invade soon.
"So... It's not like a coven? Where they follow a leaders wishes?" The new informant laughed and waved her hand away. "You've been in the UK haven't you. Yeah they're stuck in their ancient ways over there. Some even think the plague back in the 1660s did something to the brains of that generation of creations," she flashed a smile before catching the eye of another friend, waving and beginning to leave but not without a friendly farwell, "Don't worry. We're not all mindless killers on this continent. We follow ourselves, not a oack mentality like the werewolves. It was nice to meet you. Have a good night. See ya later Raven!" Nadia caught the perhaps suggestive wink sent toward Raven and couldn't help but make a small teasing face toward the woman who rolled her eyes in return. It really didn't matter where you came from, what you looked like... smelled like?
It was making her reevaluate her belief system as she stood in the jiving of bodies and her mildly intoxicated brain was perhaps swirling away from herself as conversation died down. It wasn't like Ireland... there was no simple division here or evil vampires and human victims. It was more complicated than that. This new information plus the actual option of 'ethically' obtained blood was a new development that perhaps she should share with Riley at some point. And then she couldn't help where her eyes went as she thought of the young man. The floor opened up beneath her as her dark blue eyes fell on his broad frame settled quite cosily against the vampiric woman's. She stopped dancing and felt wave of sobriety wash over her.
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Post by Kaya on Aug 12, 2017 17:14:37 GMT
The slayer that sat across from her in her bar, was not the kind of man that Kaya had been expecting. The reports of how he slaughtered the vampires in Ireland made the royals restless, and they debated hard over how they would handle such a threat from a human of all things, if he continued the bloodshed past the invasion in his home. The memories of what those notes stated promised something terrifying, and yet here this human was, smiling sweetly towards the small blonde woman amidst a pack of wolves and promising that he wanted nothing more than a drink. Kaya was struggling internally with how she felt about it. She could never fault Riley for what he did in his homeland. The creatures that attacked his people were… well… in other words, monsters. But this giant brute force of a human was showing her respect when she had expected hostility, and despite herself she became curious. Her species were a danger towards their fragile mortality after all. Naturally most humans in the bar were nervous around vampires, so why was he doing so well in the charms department? She kept her bright bloodied gaze on him, hand still balancing her chin as she kept close. The surprises were in full force it seemed once she made contact with this man, and Kaya couldn’t stop herself from raising both eyebrows in slight shock.
He… didn’t know what he was a part of? A slight twist wrenched in her gut as Riley expressed confusion towards her, and her hand lowered away from her chin as her lips thinned. Her nose exhaled when he questioned why she was a part of all this. If Kaya had been honest about her life, she would have offered a sad smile because of her involvement in everything that was happening. For tonight, her expression darkened. As much patience and respect the vampire held for the Greybacks, at that point she couldn’t stop the overwhelming feeling of hatred over the fact that Morrigan was willing to let this man get torn to pieces because she refused to listen to the warnings that the bar owner was throwing at her. Of the dangers that were lurking in the corners in New York. Her ignorance from lack of experience of dealing with the old hierarchies of vampires was going to expose Kaya, and a panic was set in her chest. Fingers that were rubbing over the violet gem suddenly gripped at the choker as she resisted the urge to curse and express a dark emotion. She wanted no harm to come Riley’s way and couldn’t afford to reveal her emotions lest she risk her patrons getting upset that this human may have had something to do with her sudden negativity. Her eyes closed as she forced down the inner rage and finally leaned back. A drink. She needed a drink.
“Hold on.” The vampire reached down for the cabinets at her knees to grab her own glass and placed it on the bar counter top, filling it with the whiskey she had left out for Riley. She then turned and walked back towards where the counter opened when she had first entered and glided past the bar stools and towards Riley before sliding onto the seat that Phelan had previously occupied. Her reasoning could have been simple enough and she had done it plenty of times in the past. It wasn’t unusual for her to flirt with patrons but she held a rule to not drink behind the bar. She didn’t want her employees to get any ideas and try it for themselves, so she would often switch her role from hostess to attendee, and let that air of flirtation dissuade any more of the curiosity from some of her patrons. Perhaps she was just curious in the force of this large man, human or not. Regulars knew she tended to smile sweetly towards the unusual.
Her real reasoning was for privacy. Kaya grabbed for the glass she had poured for herself and took a sip and placed it back on the counter before looking towards Riley. She then realized that she felt heat, and looked down to find she had subconsciously pressed her arm against his without even thinking of the consequences. Since she had started this club, she had been open about her desire for heat and for the most part her patrons were curious enough to allow her want to seek comfort from their still living bodies. But for this man, there was a slight hesitation, eyes widened, as she debated if she should move away before deciding that staying close would keep up the air that their discussion was casual. She looked back up towards his face.
“You and me, we’re having a civil discussion. I am showing sanity, and for the most part, a level of restriction that I doubt you saw when you were in Ireland.” Her words were calm and quiet as she explained, keeping her face close so he could hear but kept others from knowing the topic. “What you fought in Ireland, Riley, was a species that was birthed from the Black Plague. You may have noticed how easily they just… broke apart when they were killed. But not here. I can promise you, as strong and capable as you are, the fight you will face in New York will be your death sentence.”
Kaya looked at her whiskey before pulling it up to take a sip, savoring the complex harshness of the alcohol as she let Riley deal with the first bit of bad news she was going to be throwing his way tonight.
“I don’t know which party Morrigan has charged you with. There’s the army of LeBlanc, and there will be easily hundreds of vampires you’d have to face. Or there is the Ancient, Hiran, the oldest creature we believe exists. Or maybe she’s hoping you’re superman and can just get rid of her vampire problem altogether.” The vampire paused and looked towards Riley again, holding onto her whiskey, ready to drink as soon as the question left her lips.
“Why… did you take on this job before first asking who is it you’re supposed to be killing?”
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Zeko
New Member
Posts: 18
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Post by Zeko on Sept 22, 2017 5:31:02 GMT
The edges of Riley’s vision were beginning to blur, and his head was floating pleasantly. He was just getting into the most enjoyable part of intoxication, and just as quickly as it elevated… it started to crash, with the look of shock that crossed Kaya’s face following his questions. He knew this was crazy, all of it. And he couldn’t quite believe it himself that he’d agreed to something without reading the fine print. On a good day he would have told them to fuck right off and go ahead and just kill him, he wasn’t getting involved in any of this shit show that didn’t have anything to do with him… But it had not been a good day. And as soon as Nadia’s life was on the line, he couldn’t bring himself to accept that fate. He was a firm believer in things happening for a reason… so maybe this was going to end happily?
He watched Kaya’s hand fall to the gem she wore around her neck, a habit he had quickly noticed earlier, and he tried not to shift uneasily. He didn’t like the nervous reaction, or the sudden lowering of her voice. He’d either offended her, or he really was way farther in over his head than he knew. He realized quickly it was the latter… And he tried to keep his eyes forward as she pulled her own glass out from under the bar, and made her way around to join him. Riley’s focus unintentionally shifted down to their arms, as she pressed into him, but he didn’t let himself tense up or look alarmed, which was easy as she began to speak on a level only he could hear. His brows furrowed a little in his curiosity to her words. They were true… She was the most coherent vampire he’d ever had any sort of contact with. They were always too ancient to care about what a mortal had to say, too focused on their own mission and well-being; or they were too young to hide the fact that they were eyeballing the artery in his throat like a starved animal.
The first click hit him as she explained that what he was used to was an ancient breed. A diseased breed that died easily with ancient, ritualistic tools and beliefs. The second click came as she explained that the rules and regulations in this city were exceedingly different. Riley wasn’t prepared for what he was about to face, and Morrigan either didn’t know that… Or, more likely, she was so desperate, she didn’t care. What was one more casualty as long as it wasn’t a member of her pack? He hesitated as she continued and he pursed his lips, eyes fixed down where their hands were touching… not sure if he could even lift his glass anymore as emotions began to weigh down over his chest heavily. What had he gotten himself into? … None of the names she uttered were familiar, and he shook his head deftly.
“I mean. I don’ think s’gonna be… One army o’another.” He had to pause again and he finally allowed himself to lift his drink to take another sip. Her strained, “Why?” ran through his head several times as he processed his answer… And he hated that it was just the oldest reason in human history. All over a woman… Instead of responding, his glass lowered, and his eyes wandered hesitantly into the crowd to find Nadia once more, dancing and laughing and generally having a good time to make up for the last week or so. He stared for a long moment before his eyes darted back down to Kaya and he forced a stiff smile. “… I woulda said no but. Then they pulled her in t’the middle.” His low voice rumbled for her to hear, and he assumed that would be plenty of explanation for her. What else could he say? … He would walk into fire to keep Nadia safe… And he would never admit it out loud.
“It kinda sounds t’me like… Maybe… Morrigan had ‘erself a run-in with a tough crowd here recen’ly.” Morrigan had said something through gritted teeth about needing help eradicating a problem she thought was smaller than it actually had been. What that meant he didn’t know… But at least it didn’t sound like a death sentence. Sure didn’t sound like vampires would be his first target, either… “Somethin’, like… Helpin’ some supply make it through? … Stop someone from fuckin’ it up…” He didn’t even realize how close to home he was hitting here. That he had, essentially, been instructed to help Kaya herself. He shrugged and he finished off his drink yet again, setting the glass down in front of him and pursing his lips together slightly. “Mean, it sure sounded easy enough… Less… suicidal, anyway…”
Phelan was, admittedly, enjoying watching Nadia as she naturally made her way through this supernatural bar full of people and creatures she’d never dreamed of meeting in her lifetime. It was a shame she’d never met a… he hated to say “normal” but… An American vampire? They were leaps and bounds different to what she’d been introduced to, thanks to her thrill seeking brother… Phelan of course only knew what vampires could be like due to where he’d grown up. There hadn’t always been a place like this… But he didn’t hate all vampires any more than Riley did. Everything was circumstantial… The ones that had infested Riley’s town had needed to be eradicated and Riley had taken it upon himself. Phelan had hopped on for the ride…
Phelan had all but forgotten what it was like to let himself have fun. He’d been so busy punishing himself over everything that had happened recently, he hadn’t felt like he deserved to have any fun. Riley’s attitude shifting tonight had pulled his mood up a bit... At least they were headed towards better terms now. That was progress. Riley was beginning to understand his side of the situation, as hard as it was for him to swallow, and Phelan appreciated it. Enough that he was finding himself rolling his shoulders and hips playfully to the music with a few of his friends, laughing and remaining close enough to keep an eye on Nadia. She’d been dancing and giggling and generally having a good time, so when she froze, it didn’t take Phelan long to notice, and he turned with a goofy grin on his face… just to have it melt a little as he saw what she did. His eyes darted quickly to Nadia and he reached out to catch her shoulder gently, giving her a nudge and leaning down so she could hear him over the music.
“Wanna take a break? Grab a drink or something?” He could distract her for a minute anyway… Whatever was happening between Riley and Kaya most likely wasn’t what it appeared to be. Riley was either being threatened right now, or what they were discussing was extremely serious, there wasn’t much other explanation for that. When he felt her tense up slightly under his touch, he began to lead her toward the bar without waiting for her response, finding a couple of empty seats and sidling up to help her into hers first, following after she was settled.
“Is everything okay?” He knew the answer to that question but… Maybe she needed to hear it out loud anyway. The best he could do was try to diffuse what she was feeling.
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Vaidya
Junior Member
Posts: 67
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Post by Vaidya on Sept 29, 2017 7:08:12 GMT
She had to run. The instinct was overwhelming, and that incredible cry from her brain threw her more than the actual scenario infront of her. Which was merely a man and a woman sat closely beside one another; not an uncommon sight. But through Nadia's eyes... such a vision sent a physical ache through her chest the longer she stood and stared. It was only seconds but each heart beat was as if she had rusty nails pumping through her arteries.
Phelan's hand on her shoulder and rough voice over the music jolted her as she struggled to fend off the impulse of flight from her complicated emotions. Her large eyes couldn't help but blink quickly several times as she was fast to pull up a strained mask and forced smile that was far too tight in the corners of her eyes. "Yeah. Y-...yeah. Sounds good! I'm parched." The suggestion of a drink and a distraction was probably the best idea she had heard all night, her forced smile staying strong with a firm nod. She didn't hang around for Raven's own questions but she seemed happy enough continuing to dance with her group. Just focusing on walking forward through the crowd without looking back over to Riley was as much effort as she could summon. The small blonde human might have been in the realms of the supernatural, but she was tiny and very good at weaving through a tight crowd at least. Very good at running from conflict and this extreme rushing in her ears. Nadia had lost her sense of direction by the time she navigated her way out of the swaying, cramped crowd and was quite overwhelmed by the voiceless command in her head to get the hell out of there. Instead Phelan's presence guided her toward the bar, reeling her in like a good friend knew how to do. And not without seeing past her convincing act with a genuine question.
Nadia raised her eyes up to her friend, slowly feeling her smile fade. But not completely, a more sad eyed smile with a thankful expression instead up to the werewolf. "I'll be right. Thanks... just gotta get over myself," she tried to throw a bit of humour over the pain but the laugh never made it past the lingering ache in her chest. She shrugged instead before turning toward the barman who was busy making someone else's drink, legs flexing and fidgeting beneath her before no matter how hard she tried, the short woman caught the pair in her peripheral vision once again. "Ya know what. I'm just gunna quickly get some fresh air. Umm. Just. Order me something fruity with double vodka in it? Thanks," she had turned away without looking up at Phelan, the anxiety winning it's battle with the woman haunted by ghosts of her feelings and taking her on a power walk around the bar and toward the nearest door she laid eyes on. She felt like an idiot for being so affected and at the same time, such a logical tone in her brain wasn't enough to win over her actions. She had just... never prepared for something like this. They had been over for years and they should have never even ran into each other once let alone be now technically living together on extremely tense terms.
Her splayed palms were pressing on the thick door she came in contact with when she left the swaying bodies behind, giving a small grunt and her collected expression finally falling away. Perhaps what stripped her even more so was the insane blast of cold that surrounded her as she stepped outside in a small courtyard full of smokers. Yeah. Fresh air. "Fffffffff-" her normal polite manner kicked in, even in a moment like this and she curved her swearing as many sets of eyes fell on the stupid human who was standing out here without a coat, "-ffffar out."
Her hands clutched at her upper arms, her breath ghosting about her tanned face as the chill began to eat through her clothes already. Well. If seeing Riley like that had sobered her up quickly, then this dumb move had sure secured that feeling. She was still giving an embarrassed, almost apologetic expression to the people wrapped up in layers out here having some privacy from the heavy socialising inside, when her sheepish gaze caught a familiar face. Or rather a unique shade of green and a piercing sharp cornered eye before it was gone with a turn of the woman's head, the readjustment of a purple head scarf and a large exhale of smoke. She paused mid step, confusion setting her personal matters to the side briefly before Nadia had to step back through the door in to that thawing, blissful heat that greeted her skin covered with goosebumps. Had she just seen who she thought she had? It had surprised her a bit. Why would Morrigan be here anyway? She didn't know the tyrannous Alpha very well at all. She'd only been a whiney annoyance really upon their first forced meeting. Only knew her enough to... presume she wouldn't want to spend her spare time in a place like this?
Now filled with a deeper confusion about this whole mess she'd been dragged in to, Nadia felt a new strength with the freezing reset button that Boston seemed to love to throw at her. It was easy for the Australian to forget what the elements outside had in store for her, not used to carting around layers of clothing and jackets. She decided it was alot nicer in here, despite the drama that plagued her thoughts, straightening her posture now on the warmer side of the door, pulling her blue singlet down to smooth it out from riding up her waist and began the bold footsteps over to the person who threw her so much. No more running. Her heeled strides were long and her head held high as she bypassed Phelan with an almost business like nod before eventually flanking the side of the bar and propping her elbow and forearm on the top. Her straightened blonde hair had the odd beachy wave running through it now that the dancing and damp air had gotten to it. A swift moment of dread was pushed down inside her gut as she stood expectantly on the Irishman's left, knowing full well that this man knew how to get inside her head whether he was trying to or not. She tilted her head slowly to look around the girth of Riley's torso to watch the vampiress he was speaking so closely with. A vampire and a vampire hunter? Really? She wanted to scoff jealously but also the logical part of her brain was perhaps reevaluating how intimate they were actually being.
"Ahem! Uh. Hi. Sorry to interrupt. Whatever this is," her smile flashed in full dazzling force, a touch of strain there but choosing to channel negativity she felt and filter it out with charm. Which was what she was probably fooling herself with anyway. The overly friendly behaviour could surely be interpreted as passive aggressive to gain back whatever power she felt she had lost over this situation. Or her own emotions. Dark blue eyes flickered between the two a few times, waiting for them to acknowledge her before landing heavily on Riley's own eyes. "...Just thought you'd like to know your best mate Queen Elsa is outside." The barman decided to deliver her drink over from Phelan as that heavy beat hit, Nadia flinging her winning smile to the man instead before giving the cocktail and ice a jingly stir with her straw before resting her harder gaze on Kaya. She could do this. She wasn't playing the victim in all of this, right? "Hey, I'm Nadia," her jolly tone perhaps too high as it floated right on past the Irishman as if he wasn't there, before raising the tip of the straw to her lips and taking a long suck. Well... shit. It was a bit too strong. But she took pride in herself that she didn't bat an eyelid.
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Post by Kaya on Oct 1, 2017 9:34:09 GMT
Kaya was patient as she let the human deal with her question, as it certainly wasn’t an easy one. She just threw a curveball into his life with the knowledge of old and dangerous creatures that the pack that hired him associated with, after all. Her bright gaze kept their focus on the darker hues of Riley’s as emotion swirled in the complexity of green and blue, then shifted as she followed the gaze towards the other human that mingled with the Greybacks. Kaya’s eyes narrowed slightly before zeroing in Riley as she spoke up. It was then that she felt a wave of… what, remorse? She pursed her lips with a furrowed brow in sympathy. The vampire leaned into the man’s shoulder, her only way of knowing how to offer a momentary sense of support in her understanding. The fear of losing the one you loved… she understood only too well as to why Riley took up this job without a second thought. And that reason was the focus as to why she would do everything in her power to help the humans get the fuck out of it.
Kaya drew back when Riley continued, taking in a quick take of her drink and staring hard at the counter top. The explanation he gave brought up some confusion, as the dealings she had been explaining were all in New York, not here… so why…? The further the man explained his side of things, the less she understood what he was trying to tell her. Until he brought up the notion that he was here about keeping a supply run safe. Kaya’s eyes snapped up and she slowly looked back towards her human, the surprise evident in her face. Her lips parted though no words came out at first. The small scarred woman leaned away from the man at last, before...
Her lips spread into a smile before the laugh started. Her eyes creased as the shock wavered out in a fit, hand slamming the half emptied glass onto the countertop as her head leaned down. Her eyes filled with bloody tears and fingers rose to dab them away before lowering to cover her loud mouth in attempt to control herself.
“Oh, I’m sorry! It’s just…” A hand maneuvered through the thick tangles of her hair as she fought down the last of her giggles, flashing a fanged smile and reddened eyes towards the human man who was probably at this point thinking the vampire lady was absolutely insane. “It’s just that, here I am blabbering away about Morrigan not knowing how to handle her shit, yet it’s me who went and got ahead of herself like she knows any better. Shit, Riley… I really went off on you for no reason.” A few more chuckles escaped the woman as she leaned an elbow down on the counter with a smirk and creased brows in her attempt to apologize and seem casual after her loud outburst, trying her best to ignore the stares from others that came with it.
“Well, it looks like you found the right vampire, in the end. I hired Morrigan about that job a while ago. You see, I needed someone to help me deal with the wolves that are-“ The cutoff was paired with a raised eyebrow as the small blonde human that had been dancing amongst the pack only a short while ago, now slithered her way in to the other side of Riley with a bright smile that seemed a bit unnerving. With a blink, Kaya fell immediately into hostess mode and brought up a charmed smile towards the human, leaning in slightly towards the two. The smile flickered however as Nadia spoke again, and her face snapped towards the exit at the mention of Morrigan being here, lurking outside her bar. The wheels turned into Kaya’s head as a plan formed. This whole night turned into a fuck show because of that woman. Something needed to be done about that.
“…A pleasure, Nadia.” Kaya looked back towards the blonde woman, noting the strange tone in her voice as she introduced herself. Jealousy? In response, Kaya conjured up a smile and stood from her stool. “And I’d love to introduce myself properly, but I’m afraid I need to step away for moment. Could you do me a favor, love, and keep Riley here company until I get back? I’m sure he’d be happy to ensure you’re entertained.” Kaya winked down at the duo in her little tease, wanting to keep the atmosphere light before slinking off towards the doorway. Her steps were quick despite the tight fitted dress. She couldn’t waste a moment before the alpha escaped. Red eyes scanned the smokers’ faces the moment she stepped outside, though enough landed on her for being the second body to walk out into the iced air with nothing on her bare arms. Which helped her in finding the unmistakable silver hair and frigid stance. The light and friendly tone that Kaya had carried herself with for the sake of the humans changed to that of authority as she marched her way towards Morrigan, heels clicking against the iced ground.
“Morrigan!” The shout was enough to gather attention, as intended. She wasn’t going to let the woman run off, not after tonight. “If you honestly thought I wouldn’t know who the fu-UUUUCK!” What was supposed to be an angry demand towards a series of questions turned into an anxious shout as the vampire’s heel slipped against a patch of snow, sending the scantily clad woman skidding for a short distance before landing on her ass with an audible ripping sound as her tight red dress could not stand against the force of her legs attempting to right herself. For a moment, all Kaya could do sit on the ground, elbows propped into the frozen road behind her, blinking in stupor at the sheer amount of stupidity this night was turning into. That repeated thought entered her head yet again; Should have just gone to Erakin’s…
A pair of eyes had been watching the group of loud rambunctious Greybacks the moment they had gathered around the little human. It was easy to be invisible in a scene like this. Simply find a place to sit, and wait. At some point there would be payback for the patience this type of job offered, and slowly but surely, it came.
Brown fingers slid over the top of the empty glass as Celia peeked out the side of her head covering, waiting for a target. Several Greybacks had come in this evening, so it wasn’t so much a matter of finding a pack member, but seeing which one would be easy to work her charms and get the trust necessary in order to gain favor with this large, if slightly disorganized pack. That conclusion had come from observing all night. Compared to the pack she had come from, the members here in this city were given so much freedom that they seemed to have little control over themselves in public. But it meant there were plenty of wolves to play with, and eventually one of them made the decision easy for her, by sitting right next to her at the bar as he consoled a human.
The woman was dressed in dark colors, from her black hijab and turtleneck sweater, to the dark colored jeans that all hugged her blessed exaggerated curves. The only skin visible was her hands and face. The brightest color really that could have made her stand out was the pair of eyes that were paler than the sky, resulting in them seeming to always look a different shade depending on lighting, which at that point were zeroed in on the back of Phelan as she listened quietly to him soothe over the human girl. Celia sniffed to herself at the thought of wasting time with the likes of her kind, but it helped give the wolf some idea on how to talk to him. Sympathetic, caring, and a little easy to manipulate. Well, quite the catch.
“It’s rather rude, you know, to sit right next to a girl at a bar and not even offer up a hello.” Celia had waited until Nadia left to rush outside before speaking up, trapping the rugged scruffy man and see if she was able to keep a hold on the manners he had kept the whole night. “You’re not very good at flirting, but I can forgive bad manners for someone with such a cute face.” Celia smiled warmly towards the man, clicking the ice around in her empty glass. “Make it up to me and buy me a refresh?”
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Zeko
New Member
Posts: 18
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Post by Zeko on Oct 9, 2017 5:58:28 GMT
Riley felt Kaya lean into him and his own body relaxed a bit as well. Comfort was nice, even if it was just a simple brush of the arm. It was the sort of thing he didn't consciously miss until it happened. At least he wasn't alone in the feeling and he knew it from the simple action, letting his tattooed knuckles rap slowly along the surface of the bar. And just like that the contact was gone as those piercing red eyes directly met his and looked. Shocked. And...
Kaya started laughing and Riley suddenly wasn't sure how to feel. He shifted in his seat and almost slid his hand across the bar for the bottle yet again, but then she began to explain herself. When her words first spilled out he couldn't help the sudden rush of relief as it ran through him. She'd built him up and for nothing... and he couldn't help a slow laugh of his own as he raised a hand to rub at his eyes with a tired sigh. This wasn't going how he'd expected this interaction to go, and that was fine. He was finally about to receive an actual, real explanation...
Nadia's voice struck his ears distinctly over the bass of the music and steady chatter of the crowd, and whipped his head around quickly, though instead of that look of fondness came a streak of irritation. His brows furrowed together slightly as he looked down at her, clearly catching that tightness in her voice that wasn't normally there for the laid back Australian. The tension in his body returned as he began to default immediately to anger, and he gripped his glass a little even as Nadia announced the Ice Queen's arrival. Ah yes. Fantastic...
Riley glanced to Kaya as she excused herself, and he almost wanted to reach after her before she could leave; she was about to reveal the rest of this fucked up situation and now he was left in the dark again. While his expression and demeanor had remained neutral up to this point, he was clearly unhappy now as he looked back to Nadia and furrowed his brows tighter together.
"Wha' th'hell are y'doin'?" He turned to face her completely now. "She was abou' t'explain everythin'! She knows wha's happenin' with Morrigan..." He knew he shouldn't be reacting this way, but he couldn't help feeling a little. Well. Bitter... He'd know that jealous tone in her voice anywhere. He heard it plenty after a year long distance... He turned to the bar again and debated (again) on another drink in silence; he wanted to be able to hear and actually take in what Kaya had to say when she came back... but who knew when that would be... And after the tone he'd just used on Nadia he knew this wasn't about to end well. Might as well be drinking...
Phelan hesitated a little as he watched Nadia, practically seeing her neck straining not to look over at Riley and Kaya. He rubbed the back of his neck nervously, wanting to say what was on the tip of his tongue but not wanting to offend her for what she probably already knew: she hadn't been around for three years. They hadn't been dating for three years. Why was she getting so huffy? But why ask? He knew the answer just as well as she did. Any outside perspective could see what was happening and he could finally only let out a slow sigh.
"Nadi..." He froze when she shifted out of her seat suddenly and before he could process what she was saying properly, she was gone. Phelan's face fell flat as he watched her and he finally turned back to the bar in silent defeat. It was fine. All of this was going to be fine. Anyway she was going to do whatever the hell she wanted to do... Lovesick people always did, despite the best advice. Phelan was quick to catch a bartender's attention after that, ordering Nadia's fruity vodka and a bottle of beer for himself before pointing out Riley across the bar.
"All on my buddy Riley's tab." Riley had all the money, after all. And after this whole ordeal, and the rest of his week piled beneath it, a drink was suddenly sounding pretty decent. After the bartender left with a nod of his head, Phelan was about to turn to watch the crowd, and found himself... face to face with a woman instead. He blinked a few times in surprise and jumped a little in his seat at his unexpected guest, focusing in on her and... immediately distracted by the bright color of her eyes. His throat tightened up briefly as her voice drifted easily over the music and into his ears, finally allowing his own eyes to break away from hers and down to the glass as her ice rattled. A somewhat sheepish smile broke over his face as an unexpected compliment hit him and his heart jumped against his chest, and he was quickly realizing if he didn't stop staring and say something soon he was going to look pretty stupid...
"... How unobservant of me..." He smiled a little brighter and cleared his throat, gesturing to the stool Nadia had previously occupied in invitation. When the bartender returned with his drink he thanked him and, of course, ordered his new friend a refresh; he would deal with Riley on the tab later on... But it was hard to think about Riley now as he let his attention land completely on her instead.
"I'm Phelan. Can I ask for your forgiveness... and your name?" He saw Nadia's blonde head rush by from the corner of his eye and directly to Riley's side of the bar. And instead of chasing after her to diffuse the sitatuation that was surely about to arise... His decision was all too easily settled to stay right where he was.
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Vaidya
Junior Member
Posts: 67
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Post by Vaidya on Oct 13, 2017 15:20:33 GMT
A giant huff had escaped her chest as the small human retreated back into the warmth of the club and away from the horrid icy state that the weather had delivered. Olive green eyes shifted about a bit in thought, uncertainty shimmering underneath before her fingerless gloved hand raised her cigarette to her lips once again and erased any weakness in her gaze. Perhaps it had been a mistake to leave her building. The one moment of reflection where she felt trapped and disconnected from the happenings around her... and that feeling had led her to the same watering hole as the blonde human who was essentially her hostage. She would never use such a term out loud of course. Bad for business. But despite appearances and steely reputations, she did see the situation through the other party's eyes. She had to in this position to anticipate someone else's moves, whether in business or in battle. Sure, her measures were gradually building in desperation and risks... but when it came to the safety and expansion of the pack, everything else was second. With an exhale of smoke mixed with condensation, Morrigan calmed her nerves once more in her solitude, taking a few precautionary steps further away from the side door into The Black Rose.
Her other hand lifted to tuck a few fly away silver strands of hair back beneath the layers of draped head scarf to hide part of her identity. Some wolves who truly wanted to avoid her would have left purely from her scent by now, and some long term pack members may have felt that voiceless instinctive quicken in their heart. That their Alpha was near and her influence may be set in to action at any time. But that was not the reason she was here. She might give the excuse of escaping her confines to someone who might ask but the truth was that she knew that the members for her next mission were inside this facility. And the main wolf she wanted to head the operation was fantastic at avoiding her since the dramatic developments this past week.
He had been the one to speak up, despite his new recruitment and lowest of ranks. And also aside from the fact it looked like a stray shadow might spook the poor soul. He still spoke up and told his new Alpha... 'No. You can't do that.' Remembering the conversation still gave her a bad stomach cramp and her ego seemed to vibrate in self defense. But at least she could recognise now that her arrogance was misplaced this time. It had only taken a few of her finest warriors to be gravely injured. Along with herself. Her wounds might have healed after a few days but they had been severe. Life threatening. Because of pride and ignorance.
This was going to be difficult. Tobias had been the one to warn her against his previous packs tactics and she had belittled him. He had also been the one to take her in. Hide her and heal her. Put his sister at risk with the Alpha's presence... even Morrigan knew she owed the guy. Omega or not. The knots kept twisting in her gut as the light buzz from the few strong drinks she'd acquired fell away. All thanks to the interruption of her quiet cigarette. A pause in her search for the evasive native american descendant. And now it was highly probable that the Australian along with the Irishman were near by aswell. Dynamics she didn't want to deal with at the moment. Her sharp cornered eyes narrowed and looked down at the cigarette dangling inbetween two fingers, growing shorter and letting her know she couldn't keep putting this uncomfortable task off.
The more assertive sound of the heavy door opening with an inhuman speed was the next reminder for Morrigan of how much she didn't like dealing with people and their shit. Her shoulders stiffened and her cigarette butt may have fallen in a dismal fashion to the cold floor. 'Oh fuck,' was all her mind could process. Why... why was everyone here?! Surely there were other bars in this city? And she had specifically had someone look over the staffing roster prior to her coming here tonight. Kaya wasn't supposed to be here. Her scent was undeniable and the werewolf didn't need to turn to identify the ruby eyed vampire. And those stray silver hairs were not hard to miss for someone with rather heightened senses. 'Double fuck,' she noticeably grimaced to herself when she was addressed and she could hear the confident stride of heels clicking and clacking over toward her location. Had she been in wolf form her ears might have pinned back to reveal her true nature toward any interaction with this person who seemed to have a tail wind of drama just waiting behind her. The Alpha began to turn to face the onslaught, face hardening as per instinct and preparing an escape route already to avoid just... this. When her own breath caught at the micro second realisation before Kaya's foot came down... onto black ice. Obscured by snow which could have been forgiven. For a mortal. Morrigan's eyebrows shot straight up and her mouth pursed without knowing as the black and purple haired vampiress went careening away and onto the hard floor. From an impending storm of an opinion on something Morrigan had probably done recently to... the clutziest vampire maneuver she had ever witnessed. The Alpha stood cemented to her spot, staring with a pure expression of confusion. And the sound of the woman's dress fabric ripping was taking a moment for her brain to process. A few slow blinks was all she could manage. Well... that just happened. That... looked like it might have actually hurt; more pride than body but before Morrigan could decide what to do in that awkward beat after a person falls... the other people out here smoking made the decision for her, making a polite motion of coming forward and making sure she was okay.
It was in that moment, her face still stuck uncharacteristically in an awkward, surprised expression, that she thought... what in the hell was she still doing standing here? The small step she had taken forward was quickly halted and corrected, the silver haired woman unable to contain a shifty eyed movement as she assessed the other witnesses and her escape route. Before she was nimbly scaling the fire escape of the building, her supernatural strength allowing the feat quite effortlessly and hopefully in the small crowd of bodies and the fog of embarrassment, Kaya would only find the Alpha had slipped through her grasp. A small puff of mild exertion left her body, crouched in rest before rising up to stroll across the roof, a small smirk and ghost of an amused chuckle finally allowed to slip from her icy exterior.
It would have been a sensible idea to thank the universe for the opportunity to escape a migraine whilst also witnessing something she could hold above the irritating vampiress for some time. But the matter of recruiting the members for her next mission in the balance of her packlands was still present. It wasn't going away just because she'd already had enough of people-ing this evening. Her hands dove into her pockets as her smirk faded, boots reaching the edge of the roof just above the entrance to the club. Her green gaze dropped as an icy wind whipped her head scarf and hood around. A long exasperated sigh was wrung from her body before the werewolf planted only her fingertips upon the edge of the building's roof, boots kicking off the high structure and her fingers directing her body to land right before a security guard who in turn casually yelped out in surprise.
Quite unbeknownst that the Greyback Alpha was about to make a blunt re-entry into The Black Rose, Nadia was instead taking a powerful suck down her straw only for the heat of vodka to obnoxiously burn down her throat. She could never remember having to summom such a poker face than in that moment. And it was more easily broken when Kaya swiftly, politely returned her introduction and even more swiftly... dismissed herself?! The blonde woman's eyebrows shot up toward the ceiling and it wasn't the strength of the liquor that made her have to concentrate on swallowing her last mouthful and not snorting it. "Uh! You don't-..." oh god she hadn't thought this through at all. The vampire with the odd shade of skin, that Nadia was only just noticing up close now, had cleared off. Perhaps the news of Morrigan's presence triggering it? Nadia had tried to waltz on in with confidence and a bright smile that was dying to take some control of this situation. Let alone her own complicated emotions. And it had actually worked? She had... scared her off? She doubted such a theory instantly. And that was it. They were alone. Surrounded by people but Nadia suddenly felt as if she was locked in a room with only Riley. Her dark blue eyes that had reached after Kaya's retreating form ever so slowly dragged back toward and up at the red head who summoned such a desire inside her to do rash things. There was no doubting the awkward pause that was made as she placed her cocktail glass back on the bar and her eyes dipped down in uncertainty behind thick lashes. She hadn't really meant to end up with it being the two of them... even though she had wanted just that since they'd been placed back in the same bar in the same hotel in the same state in the same country all those weeks ago now.
She cleared her throat and went to open her mouth to perhaps explain exactly those thoughts that swirled around confusingly. Instead Riley got in first, her eyes darting back up to his face. The expression made her heart stop in an eery way. The tone of his voice sent her stomach straight through the earth. Her mouth parted in mild shock, a few blinks and small shake of her head the only way she could process his sudden anger toward her. She didn't like the hurt that surfaced so easily. So instead she let the anger take over aswell. "...excUSE me?" She said in an incredulous tone, still processing everything her muddled up brain was attempting to filter through. Nadia could only keep her large lips open in a mild mannered jaw drop at hearing him turn on her so quickly. Maybe he... maybe it really wasn't like it used to be...
"...okay firstly. Don't talk to me like that. Don't talk to me like an asshole because I know you're not one. ...Ya bloody asshole..." the insult was spoken too softly to perhaps be taken seriously or with much impact anyway, "...secondly. I'm trying okay? I'm trying my best here. To adapt to... whatever this is. This whole supernatural scenario. This... being near you..." Shit. Too personal. She was going to scare him off. Or send him into a drinking spree if she didn't correct herself. "I mean. I've been trying to get intel. Anything. I'm trying to help, alright?" She huffed a sigh that sent a few stray strands of golden hair away from her face, her anger and hurt still simmering but the look of his tired face and the extra creases she didn't remember there from when they last saw each other... it just sent her right back into that jealousy. He was happy for a stranger he'd just met to sit close and she wasn't allowed to even offer some valuable information. But that's the way it was she supposed. It was becoming clearer the more she tried. "...thirdly, maybe you can not let women just climb into your lap in public and I'll be less of a thorn in your side," oh jesus. Her mouth. This wasn't her! Her hand hastily grabbed at her drink and she began to drink hard, as if to wash away the jealous venom that was spilling out. That was giving her away. The strong hit had not improved and she made a slightly strained face as it almost made her cough. The liquor wasn't helping her relax or float away from her troubles. It kept slapping her in the face and reminding her she didn't have the right to make Riley take in her own hurt and jealousy.
This was... how he had felt perhaps. The realisation dawned upon her as she stared off into space a moment, Riley's own retort registering but also not at the same time as a new batch of emotions were added to the ones that were zipping about. This was exhausting. It never used to be exhausting around him. But maybe she needed to stop thinking about what things used to be like. They were two different people. Two angry, bitter people apparently. And Nadia was quite oblivious to the fact that Phelan was being swept up in his own personal life for once.
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