Selena Cross-closed

Selena Cross had spent the last couple hundred years traveling around Europe and decided to reside in the Americas. Her fame as being ruthless was only succeeded by her stunning beauty.

Her unique beauty and feminine wiles allowed to manipulate some of the most wealthy aristocrats, princes and Kings through out time. Like most vampires she had an alluring feature that drew her prey to her. Combined with her beauty she had the ability to profile her marks with such precision, she could have almost been labeled a witch several times over. However, instead she gain a great deal of land and wealth over her inauguration into the world of the undead.

At 18 she had been turned by a Vampire who took advantage of her naivety, and taught her the art to which she became an expert at. What he didn't count on was her wit, and ability to think for herself. Her long red curly hair, and emerald eyes drew in her prey like horses to water. Only fifty years into her making she staked her maker earning her a mark on many older vampires kill lists. Only a few of those remained

Never once had she regretted what she had become, instead she learned quickly how to embrace it and milk it for all it was worth. She had the money to do whatever she wished, thanks to her ability to manipulate men out of their fortunes and liquid assets.

Her penthouse had been custom designed for her before her arrival. But first before she could arrive there, she had to introduce herself to the leader of the territory. As she exited the plane she moved with the grace of a ballerina through the crowds. Not only the men stopped and stared but women did as well. But to her they didn't exist. They were food and expendable.

She could have been an actress, or a model if it didn't require day time shoots and the paparazzi. "vampire club" the piece of paper said she read as she gave instructions to the Limo driver that picked her up.

The limo pulled up outside a ordinary club that was blaring excessively loud new wave obnoxious tunes. Entering the establishment her eyes scanned the room. Human women seeking the best sex of their lives and Male vampires taking advantage of it. There were a few females but none held a candle close to her.

Pulling out a cigarette she slowly raised it to her mouth. 4 rushed foward to light it for her. She stepped away from them after one elbowed another to successful light it.

She turned to the vampire behind the bar "Whose the leader?" she questioned referring to the vampire hierarchy. "that would be Juan Catalone" she advised trying to keep from drooling.
"he's um, out of town, will be back on Thursday", she let out a nervous giggle. "Tell him i was here" she said turning and walking out.

"Oh my god, oh my god" Amelia responded all giddy. "Do you have any idea who that was?" she addressed the man sitting at the bar on her right. "that was Selena Cross. Thee Selena Cross. She's famous those that know her want to be her, or worship her, she's a goddess, the true class of all one of us could be".

Reentering her limo she ordered to take her home to her new Penthouse. The carpet was practically laid out for her as the limo pulled up. Her hand waved away anyone she didn't wish to speak to.
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Anthony threw back another shot to be greeted by a cheer. The men were crowded around him, cheering him and his opponent on as they added yet another glass to the ranks already multiplying on each side of the table. "More. More."

The men around were jostling in, slamming down money and pocketing betting slips as impromptu bookies, no doubt pocketing slightly more than they should of done. Drink flowed freely and two more shots were poured, it wasn't just vodka this stuff. The absinthe was making it's effects known in Anthony's mind, things were becoming a little hazier. Noises louder, his hand less steady.

Then, with the final shot, his opponent keeled gently backwards, knocking over another table and splashing half of the audience with a goodly amount of beer and spirits. One man roared in indignation and elbowed the man next to him in the face. Staggering to his feet, Anthony grabbed his winnings, and probably a good deal of everyone else's and clawed his way out of what promised to be an excessively violent brawl.

He stumbled out into the cold night air. The chill sobering him up quickly. There was a buzzing and he fumbled in his pocket, retrieving his phone by the third ring. "Kain."

"Got a new one in town Tony, just arrived, got money to throw around, lots of it. An attitude to, seems she's some sort of vampire celebrity. Have to say, I can see why, she's absolutely gorgeous."

"Cut to the chase Mark"

"Alright alright, you know me, anyway, name of Selena...

"Cross, Selena Cross, yeah I know her. Thanks Mark."

Well, well, well. Selena Cross in town. That was interesting, very interesting. He was only human, but despite his knowledge of the vampiric underworld he was still alive. He was, valuable, and dangerous. He knew enough to expose them, that was certain, but his services were infinitely more valuable. He was the go to guy, the middle man, he gave them influence in the day. A day walker, except he was the best, he ran the day walkers in this town. If a vampire needed one, they came to him, and he looked after his employees.

But someone like Selena Cross, now she was someone he had to meet. Even if it was just to say he had. he paused a moment, blowing his breath out in a cold plume. Then he took out his phone again. Time to make a few calls.

When she exited the limo the door of her building was held open by a rather stocky human in an uniform. Evidently he was the door man. For once in her life she simply wanted solitude. She had evenhandedly organized the territories in Europe, her word was law. The last time anyone said differently they were silenced for eternity.

Ruthless, vindictive, cunning, and capable. Were words used in general to describe vampires. She prided herself in putting the first letter in each of the words. More then a few centuries had passed since her creation, the world was different now.

It was the age of technology, and her job became a lot easier because of it. Everything she had worked for was allowing her to live the life she wanted. Now that she was in the states, hopefully it would allow her the solitude she desired. Her fame always seemed to precede her no matter where she went. Even leaving the bar she was aware of the awe that spread.

Motioning with a finger for the driver to follow with her bags she merely walked pass the mortal without much thought. Not even her food would that one qualify. Her penthouse was exactly as she specified. It had cost her enough to be sure of it. Her floor required a key, and only she obtained it. There was a spare made that she held in the palm of her hand. Eventually she would need to find a human to be her errand boy and food bringer. They weren't as hard to find as one may think. The culture these days reeked of boys and girls obsessed with being one of her kind. They thought it was "Cool" or "rad" some such made up word. Few possessed the brains to know when to keep their mouth shut, and with that organizations in the underground supplied some of the best bonded gophers. It wasn't money they based their reputation on, it was their life.

Opening up the terrace doors she over looked the city. My how it had grown and flourished. Once upon a time there were only thousands settled here. Now there were millions of fresh veins to tap.

"Yeah yeah yeah, but you know I run day business around here."

There was a muffled response from the phone.

"Don't even bother arguing, I know you Daniel, you don't want no trouble and all that, well you won't get any, just make sure the usual people know what's going on. She can't just come in here and take over the place, famous or not."

He hung up without waiting for a response, before he got out of the car he opened the glove box, extracting a chunky looking silver handgun. He looked the handgun over, ejecting the mag and racking the slide so the loaded shell flew out into his hand. Once he was happy that everything was working correctly he reloaded the gun and slid it into a holster at the back of his belt, contorting awkwardly to do so while still in the seat.

Vampire's usually had nothing to fear from handguns, but Anthony's Desert Eagle was loaded with armour-piercing, explosive rounds. Vampire's may be resistant to most damage but even they had a hard time coming back with a fist sized hole blown in their chest. He always took a little insurance to such meetings, his business was based on trust but that didn't mean he didn't go prepared.

He pressed the button for the penthouse, and there was brief buzz and a click as he was put through to the speaker system inside the apartment itself. "Anthony Kain, heard you're new in town?" All he had to do now was wait and hope she clicked the button to let him come up.

Considering she hadn't made any requests for any meetings she was put off by the audacity of this Mr. Kain. Yet it amused her just the same.
Silly humans and their boldness. "Mr. Kain," came an English accent over the com "Ms. Cross is not in the habit of receiving unsolicited guests. Perhaps you'd like to leave your card and she will contemplate your request." the house keeper advised through the box.

Selena laughed lightly at her housekeepers coolness. Eve had been with her for a while. She had once been a mousy thing, and had blossomed into a force to be dealt with. Of course being around Selena, the cockiness is bound to be an influence.

With the monthly doses of her blood she had slowed eve's aging process considerably. Good trustworthy help was hard to find. It only made sense she'd want to hang on to it for as long as possible.

Hmmm, that was certainly not Selena Cross. Although it certainly had the attitude he'd expected, she was famously cocky in her dealings with others, even the upper hierarchy of the vampires themselves. Not that he was going to allow himself to be put off just like that, he hadn't gotten to this position by giving up quite so easily.

"Perhaps you misunderstood me. I'm Anthony Kain, and while you're in this town you will have to deal with me sooner or later. My business is built on trust and respect and I am offering you the chance to take this meeting on your own terms, I cannot guarantee I will be as well disposed later."

It wasn't a threat, he didn't really go in for those, it was a statement, and any inquiry by this girl who had answered would reveal the truth of what he said. There wasn't much that went on in this town, human or otherwise that he didn't know about and he could make life difficult, very difficult indeed for Ms Selena Cross. "I can guarantee a closed, confidential meeting, I don't ask for much time, only to meet such a distinguished newcomer." He let a tone of respect enter his voice, she was powerful herself after all.

Selena raised an eyebrow at his assertiveness. "Ms Cross is not in the habit of receiving unsolicited guests Mr. Kain." Eve repeated. "Especially those that haven't stated what their business is exactly. I'm sure a gentlemen such as yourself can respect that a woman wouldn't let just anyone into her home without having requested a service, or doing her research on said person. Especially one such as Ms Cross. I understand your time is valuable Mr. Kain, however so is Ms. Cross'. If your services are required, then i'm sure there will be ample time in the future for said meeting. Good Day Mr. Kain."

Once Eve removed her finger from the button Selena smiled and let out a laugh. "well done Eve, you may just be vampire material after all."


Attempts had been made on her life before, she learned to be careful and weary in letting anyone near her. There was always some big shot trying to make a name for him or herself as a vampire hunter.

One as notorious as Selena couldn't avoid recognition, no matter how hard she tried.

Well, she was playing hard to get then. He grimaced, he was not going to be in the best of moods when he finally met her, that was for certain. Still, it couldn't be helped, a vampire of her age would develop not only an inflated sense of her own importance, but also one of paranoia. She was probably afraid he was some sort of vampire hunter. He laughed quietly to himself, not that he'd allow them to operate, he'd run the last hunter out of town years ago, they were too much of a threat to good business.

He ignored the receptionist as he walked out, not bothering to leave a card. They would meet at some point, he would make sure of that. Not that she'd have to ask around to find out who he was, any vampire who'd been in this town for any reasonable length of time would know him. Juan Catalone had been his first client, if he hadn't met such a powerful vampire so early on then he wouldn't be in the position he was in now.

He was unusual in his position in that while he could afford to settle back and relax he enjoyed his job too much, the heady sense of power and the flirting with danger that the mere presence of a vampire could bring. He climbed back into his car, removing the handgun from it's holster and returning it to the glove compartment. Indicating, he pulled out, he had other people to see, deals to close. He couldn't stop his life for one woman, intriguing though she may be.

It had been a day since the solicitor came to her buzzer. Since then it was a almost quiet existence. Thursday arrived and she appeared once again at the club to introduce herself to Juan.

Her appearance caused a hush. "is he in?" she asked the bartender. "Yes Maam, to the back and then left."
With a nod she dismissed her and continued her walk to the back. When Selena arrived in a place it had become simply custom for the leaders to hand over their territories. But she wasn't here for that, simply as a curtosy.

Juan rose as she entered and bowed. This seem to shock his goons, who then repeated what he did. "Ms. Cross, welcome".

"Thank you, first let me advise you i'm not here to obtain what is yours. I simply wish to be left in peace. However, if things can not be maintained i will gladly put it in order for you." he nodded and she continued.

"I require a day-walker, please make the arrangements for the appointment. He will have to have sufficient access to obtain what i need, his services will be at my leisure. A room and salary will be provided of course. As is customary, if he fails me not only will his life be forfeit, but yours will as well."
"Understood Ms. Cross". "I prefer a male with acceptable security skills. Obviously this is a duel role."
"Yes Ms. Cross, i'll get in touch with Mr. Kain, he's the one that runs the organization that caters to us."
Selena raised her eyebrow and cocked her head slightly. "This would be Anthony Kain I assume?"
"Yes Maam". Selena hissed slightly. "He paid me an unsolicited visit and didn't like being told no."
Juan let out a laugh. "He's earned quite a reputation around here. He's not use to being dismissed."
Selena gave a light smile. "Regardless, i suppose i will have to deal with him. Until he can make time I will have to deal with a lesser quality of life source."
"As long as you stay Ms. Cross what is mine is yours." She nodded in appreciation.

"what do you mean you're giving her free rein" Selena arched an eye brow not bothering to turn around to address Juans goon.
"Watch your place" Juan growled at him.

The over-sized man open his mouth again to continue and Selena was behind him in a moment with a silver blade at his throat. Juan simply watched without a word. "Let me make this clear " she hissed in his ear "I have killed for less then disobedience to ones liege. Challenge me, or him again and i will have your tethered heart hanging from my limos mirror."
The goon squeaked and she tossed him into the wall. Just as quickly her blade disappeared.

She handed Juan her card with her number on it. "Have his people call to set up the appointment" She nodded and left the room.
Everyone could hear Juans dissection of his goon. Which started out with "If you ever open your mouth in her presence again..."

"Oh now she's interested?"

This was inordinately satisfying. She'd dismissed him, and that hadn't been something he had enjoyed particularly, or been used to. It had been annoying tell the truth and he was tempted now to simply ignore her request. But that wouldn't be a good demonstration of power, more stupid, perhaps suicidal. The vampires in town seemed terrified of her, so he'd have to tread carefully, they would not take kindly to him insulting her. As it was, while he wanted to leave her squirming, he didn't see the point, she would have to come and see him now, now that she needed him.

"Fine whatever, let her know I'll see her... Friday... about... 11 I think. I'm a busy man."

That should do it, leave her sometime waiting, he could see her tonight, tomorrow night, no a few days was enough. He'd have to make sure he had someone good lined up for her, although most of his good ones were gone, or wouldn't be good enough if the stories about her were true, ah well. He'd see how it went.

Juan sat on the other end of the phone tapping his finger on the desk as he listened to Tony's tone of annoyance. Then he replied.

"This Lady has the ability to single handed take over the entire continent. However she is here to relax. Let not your pride get in the way of being the business man that has made you our go to guy. I don't know what she did to piss you off, but i suggest you let it go. Think of it not as us bowing to her command, instead think of it as of showing respect to a woman that has more then deserved it." he left a second of silence before he spoke again. "I wold think of it as a personal favor if you would clear your schedule for her."
With that he hung up the phone letting Tony mull over it.

As Juan hung up Tony leaned back in his chair and laughed. The Vampire really was scared of Selena. Though most of what he'd just spouted down the phone was complete bullshit anyway. Don't let pride get in the way? That was a fine phrase from a Vampire of all things, and surely he realised that pride in one's work was important. As to respect? Fear perhaps, he hadn't seen anything that deserved respect, just a powerful spoiled brat of a vampire who was used to getting her own way.

Although, Juan had said he would consider it a personal favour. Although with Cross in town his power seemed particularly reduced, or perhaps it was just him. Ah well, she couldn't be in town forever. At some point that favour from Juan would be worth something. Even if it was relatively worthless now, and he'd been here through power changes before, he could always survive another if Cross decided she wanted to stay

"Mark, tomorrow, midnight, tell Juan there's no negotiation on this."

Receiving word they'd meet the next night came as no surprise and of little matter to her. His brass attracted her in a way she hadn't been amused since at least 1775. His name was Leopold Mozart. The world came to know him as a great composer. She smiled at their encounter, how their affair led him on the proper path for his career. Selena was impatient then, he would have taken more grooming then she was willing to do. Yet her encouragements went far, as did he.

Perhaps it was the greatness she smelled, it was a talent. Or she was simply drawn to people that had the tenacity like she did. Times were different now. There were social rules, now there were few. A person in this mans position years ago wouldn't be so cocky and methodical.

Growling slightly she flipped the channels on her T.V. What irritated her most was she gave him a second thought. Eventually she found herself watching the antique roadshow. It was a game she played with herself. Trying to recite where she was during the year of manufacturer of whatever item came up.

The next day she slept a dreamless sleep. It wasn't as restful as it could have been. But it was what it was. Not feeding for a few days caused her to be on edge. She liked her meals daily, it was something she had grown accustom to.
A vampire of her age could bypass a meal for up to several months with little strain. Yet the quality of her meals helped to maintain her youthful appearance.

Midnight arrived and so did Tony. At least he was punctual. Her hair was up with curls that cascaded down her face.
"Mr. Kain, thank you for coming" she advised as the door was opened for him. She slowly rose from the chair and walked toward him with an elegant grace. "Please come in" she motioned to the chairs in the living room and took her seat.
"I require your services for the time frame that i am in town. I shan't ask much of you. Simply that i'm provided daily with a high quality meal, and your acquisition of other things i may require. You would be provided a room, and a salary that would double the amount you make from your operation in a year."

Smiling softly she spoke again. "I understand your hesitation, but before you answer there are a few things i think you should know about me. The first is that i am here for relaxation and a hassle free stay. My reputation is not without basis. However unlike many fear, i do not wish to create an uproar. I simply wish to be left alone. With that said if you deny me i will not retaliate. Nor will I encourage any from Juan, but i will not interfere if he does. As I said, i simply want quiet." Taking a sip from her cup she looked back up at him. "you must find me repulsive, the uproar that has been made simply by my being here. It is because of that, i require someone with special skills. That is why you have been chosen. Your workers will lack the experience."

Looking out the window she glanced back to him. "I would like you to go over my alarm system, the cameras, and interview who ever you need to. I am being hunted Mr. Kain. This isn't the typical foolish hunter either. For the past ten years i've had to have my meals tested. From staff to other vampires he has tried to kill me. So my question Mr. Kain.. Is will you help me?" Her eyes looked into his a bit softer then normal.

He felt the hot water scorching his skin, obliterating the aches and pains of the day. It was fortunate, considering his occupation that he insomniac, he didn't need much sleep, allowing him to work through the night and most of the day. He stepped out of the shower, the last vestiges of the day wiped away by the shower.

He found himself outside the elevator to the penthouse at one minute to twelve. Sixty seconds later he was walking through the door into the penthouse itself. Even he had to admit he was a little taken aback, long red hair cascaded around her face in waves of curls. Her eyes were breathtakingly green and undeniably beautiful, but with a calculating look that gave one the feeling of having their mind searched.

She motioned him in and gracefully sank into one of the chairs in the living room. He hadn't been able to help himself when she'd made her way into the living room, admiring her form, her toned body and firm, pert ass. He yanked his eyes back up before she turned around, hoping that her dismissive secretary hadn't noticed his admiration of her employer.

"Repulsive, no. A little presumptuous... perhaps. I have dealt with many customers over the years, and not many have behaved like that and lasted in this town. It's a business of mutual respect."

He raised a questioning eyebrow. "Do I have that at least?"

"I see" she said lightly. "Although it may not appear that way, you do have my respect. I don't request the assistance of many. When i do its because of their skills. It is also because i have done my research. Yes you were referred. But i don't do anything half ass. You were fully investigated prior to this meeting. Just as i'm sure you've made inquires of me."

She smiled lightly. "I am in need of your assistance. That is something i'm not fond of saying or requiring. As it is because of my condition i cannot do things that require normal business hours. You will receive the same graciousness and obedience from my staff as i do. There will be no disrespect. You would be the closest to me in all instances."

Taking a sip of her drink she looked at him. "Can i count on your help Mr. Kain?"

He eyed her thoughtfully. One hand circling the top of the armrest. He nodded once, sharply, businesslike once more. "I can look at security as soon as is convenient, as to interviewing, that won't be necessary, I have my own people I can bring in if we need anyone else."

"Other than your security arrangements I imagine you will require the same services as any other. As a personal favour to Juan I can dedicate part of my time to you, are there any specific... tastes I need to be aware of?"

"I can look at security as soon as is convenient, as to interviewing, that won't be necessary, I have my own people I can bring in if we need anyone else."

She cocked her head slightly haven't not said anything about interviewing anyone. Shaking it off as human error she replied. "There's no time like the present. Please take a look. Gather whatever belongings you'll need or have them sent for. Your room is through the hall on the left. I hope you find it to you satisfaction."

"Other than your security arrangements I imagine you will require the same services as any other. As a personal favour to Juan I can dedicate part of my time to you, are there any specific... tastes I need to be aware of?" She paused for a moment before speaking again.

"I realize you have a business to run Mr. Kane. If at all possible I would appreciate if you could temporarily work from here until my visit is done. As for my particular tastes." she smiled. "I prefer pure bloodlines, 100% Italian, Latin, or french if possible. If not I can do a half bred. But more then that is just disgusting. No offense intended If you are from multiple origins. Its simply a matter of taste."

"I realize you have a business to run Mr. Kane. If at all possible I would appreciate if you could temporarily work from here until my visit is done. As for my particular tastes." she smiled. "I prefer pure bloodlines, 100% Italian, Latin, or french if possible. If not I can do a half bred. But more then that is just disgusting. No offense intended If you are from multiple origins. Its simply a matter of taste."

He raised an eyebrow, it was an unusual taste, most vampires here in the melting pot were less picky about their source of life. But after centuries of life one must come to appreciate the finer things in life. If she wanted pure bloodlines then she'd have pure bloodlines, there were Latin and Italian communities, French might be a little harder, but there might be one or two choice... appetisers among the populace.

He stood up, nodding, adopting the air of a butler of a noble family. "Of course Madam Cross, I'll see to it."

With an effort he tore his eyes away from hers and left the room, first going across the hall to step into his bedroom, it was every bit as plush and decadently furnished as the living space had been. He nodded appreciatively, even his own apartment wasn't this opulently furnished, and while he would have rather stayed there, it seemed that Miss Cross would be a rather demanding customer. But having someone with her aura of fear on the clientele would certainly help business. And, he had to admit it would help satisfy his curiosity. He'd made it his business to know about the vampires, but creatures like Selena Cross were rare, the stories about her had reached almost legendary proportions. He would get to meet the vampire behind that, and already he could see where some of the legends had come from.

He stepped back into the hall, lifting his phone to his ear as he speed dialed. He dictated instructions as to what was to happen with the business while he was occupied. He had enough reliable people he could expect it not to fall apart, and he was in a position where he could still manage much of it, it was no worry. Next call he made was to a very small workshop in a back alley. There were precisely three rings before it was picked up. "Yes?"

He spent even less time on this call. He'd already sized up the penthouse and could make an educated guess as to the other rooms, he listed the things he'd need. They'd be delivered in the morning, 8 o'clock sharp, while his other things were already on their way here. he returned to the lounge.

"Madam Cross, I imagine you might be quite hungry by now, I can provide a meal before morning if that is your wish?"

"Of course Madam Cross, I'll see to it."

With that he got up and went to his room. Although she could hear his side of the conversation with her ability to hear, she tuned it out giving him some privacy. He would do by her correctly. He was a man of particular pride and honor. It was rare to find in mortals these days. That fact alone was worth her respect.

Her fingers clicked the remote and sighed at the nonsense of the world. Eventually settling on watching true blood. Vampire shows were comedic to her. But this one was fairly close. She smiled watching the vampire Eric as he seduced the girl.

She heard his foot steps but remained watching the show until he spoke.

"Madam Cross, I imagine you might be quite hungry by now, I can provide a meal before morning if that is your wish?"
"Thank you Mr. Kain, but please call me Selena. It will ensure you have the respect you deserve among my staff at all time." She smiled. "yes I actually hungry, if you could fetch two for me that would make me quite happy."