Escaping Animal State

[monique_minx]

Sienna felt the blush rise in her cheeks as he returned her sarcasm in kind and made her wish she’d just kept her mouth shut in the first place. Unfortunately she never was one to listen to the tiny voice in her head otherwise known as her better judgement.

"Please, don't pout - You know I'm only having my fun."

“That being the problem...” Sienna muttered in return and dropped her arms, struggling to stop looking so forlorn though given her situation it was more than just slightly difficult.

She fought to keep the scowl from her face as she watched him looking the waitress over so openly in front of her. The young woman obviously returned Vincent’s interest so Sienna couldn’t understand why he didn’t just take her and be done with it. Why in God’s name was Sienna so damn important to him anyway? She’d never thought herself anything really special; it was only Robert that made her feel like that until recently that was...

"Tell you what we'll add another rule to the game. Naturally, only you and you alone can break the curse. But to cut down on your transformation time, I won't mind if you nominate others to carry out the deed. Sound fair?"

Games, not more damn games! Sienna sighed inwardly and looked at him with cautious reproach.

“There isn’t much that sounds fair when it comes from your mouth Vincent but to be sure we’re on the same page, exactly what do you mean? You’re asking...” Her eyes drifted to the waitress and back again, his words slowly dawning on her.

“...you’re not seriously asking me to get you laid!” She hissed the last part softly and leaned in closer so that no one would hear such shameful words leaving her lips.

She shook her head, the blazing anger in her eyes was slowly becoming pleading pools tinged with fear as she whispered to him, “Don’t make me do this Vincent, I can’t do that! She’d fuck you if you glanced sideways at her so why the hell do you need me anyway?!”

Her cheeks flushed crimson; her shame clearly emblazoned across her face at the prospect of more demeaning criteria in order to cut her transformation time down to something a little more manageable. As near as she could figure; it was taking three hours for her to change and it cut into her time as a human being. She knew that if Vincent could lengthen it that much; he could lengthen it that much more and Sienna was certain that even a single second more was a second more than she could stand.

 

[deevo]

Vincent

“Don’t make me do this Vincent, I can’t do that! She’d fuck you if you glanced sideways at her so why the hell do you need me anyway?!”

Vincent's eyes went dark as his previously cheerful demeanour gave way to something more serious. He leaned forward and stared into Sienna's sparkling blue eyes, all the more dazzling as small tears gathered in the corners and were blinked back. He hadn't realised just how close to the brink she might be; the hours of agony that she knew awaited would drive a lesser mind insane.

"You're right, Sienna - I don't need you," he said slowly and quietly. "In fact, I'm willing to bet that with the right words and the right moves I could bed any woman in this restaurant. Any woman but you." Vincent rested his chin on one fist and appraised Sienna's remarkable features, his eyes darting down towards her cleavage and back up again. He had already taken her in as soon as he saw here; this examination was unimportant, other than for the embarrassment and anger she might feel. Any excuse to make her uncomfortable, he supposed.

"You intrigue me, Sienna, because you are so... immune to my charms," he continued. "You are headstrong and resilient, and I admire your spirit." He paused, taking a sip of his wine before fixing her again with a dark stare.

"You believe that you control your destiny, that you are indentured to no one. But you are not in control, Sienna. I am. I make the rules and you can only play by them or suffer the consequences. This isn't about getting me laid, Sienna - Jesus, I don't need you to score some little college co-ed. This is about control, and knowing you have none."

The waiter walked towards their table, the meals in his hands and a grin on his face.

"Ah, here comes our friend," said Vincent, cheerful again as he placed a napkin on his lap. "Give him a nice smile, now."

 

[monique_minx]

"You're right, Sienna - I don't need you. In fact, I'm willing to bet that with the right words and the right moves I could bed any woman in this restaurant. Any woman but you."

Sienna might have been flattered were it not for Vincent’s eyes travelling over her in such a devouring manner as to make her squirm in her seat and remember exactly how long it had been since she’d been physically entwined with Robert...or with any man. She just had to remember that giving in to Vincent would not give her what she truly wanted – Robert the man. It would give her Vincent and lose Robert; she didn’t want that.

"You intrigue me, Sienna, because you are so... immune to my charms. You are headstrong and resilient, and I admire your spirit."

Sienna lifted her chin just a little at that, it built her back up and reminded her of herself. It suddenly mattered very little that the words came from Vincent though she should’ve known he was about to smash into her wall of confidence again and break her to pieces...

"You believe that you control your destiny, that you are indentured to no one. But you are not in control, Sienna. I am. I make the rules and you can only play by them or suffer the consequences. This isn't about getting me laid, Sienna - Jesus, I don't need you to score some little college co-ed. This is about control, and knowing you have none."

A single tear slid down her cheek and she brought her glass of wine to her lips, covering it until it fell from her face and dropped in her lap. It was small satisfaction in knowing Vincent couldn’t gain everything from her; oh yes, he could have her if he wanted. Many times over he could’ve ravaged her and raped her; he was stronger than she was after all. But Vincent didn’t want that from her; no, he wanted all of her and he wanted her willingly, to love him, devoted to him and his sick games were just another push towards him.

"Ah, here comes our friend. Give him a nice smile, now."

Her head swivelled to see the waiter; she set her wine down and sighed deeply. Sienna stared into her lap with helplessness written in her body language before she prepared herself and like a good little puppet; she looked up with a dazzling smile. There was a lot of feigned happiness in that smile but it was only discernable if you looked close and saw the dim sadness in her eyes. She shot Vincent a look that asked clearly – are you happy now? She’d been right, this would be a very long night and she hoped she could live it down. Not to mention the fact that she was slightly worried that after all of this; Vincent wouldn’t keep his word. Just before the waiter was within ear shot however, Sienna did get up some nerve and hissed a few quiet words.

"I'm not your little lap dog Vincent!" The smile never faded from her lips, she kept up pretenses and reminded herself constantly of the enduring pain to come if she didn't play like a good little girl.

 

[deevo]

Vincent

"I'm not your little lap dog Vincent!," she whispered and Vincent had to restrain himself from replying, "No, you're a very well-trained kitty." That probably would have sent her off the edge, hurling untold abuse at him before running from the restaurant. Or maybe she would have stayed, grinning and bearing it in the hope that he would show her some small measure of pity. It was sad in a way, to watch her slowly break like this. He would cut some time off her transformation and, deep down, she would be grateful. She would understand that he was a man of his word, and that if he offered her a lifetime free from the curse in exchange for one night together, he was undoubtedly telling her the truth.

It was a slow turning of the screws, clawing away at cracks in the wall until he got to the heart of Sienna's rebellious spirit. He didn't know whether to laugh or cry when he saw the tears welling up in her eyes - the usually cool and confident Sienna turned into a quivering mess by a few choice words.

The waiter arrived, smiling from ear to ear, and set down their meals. "For you, sir; and for your beautiful dining companion." Vincent had seen enough of Sienna's charms on the young man and sent him off fairly quickly. He inhaled the aroma of the food and sighed.

"If it tastes as good as it looks and smells, we're in for a treat," he said joyfully. "Why don't we eat and then we can discuss how you can cut another hour or two before dawn, hmm?"

 

[monique_minx]

Sienna blushed brilliantly as the waiter complimented her and she was glad Vincent sent him on his way. She feared telling Robert what she had done this night, the humiliation of it and the flirting...he would never understand, he had not endured the same pain as she had. The food looked as good as she remembered but the company made it...unappetizing.

"If it tastes as good as it looks and smells, we're in for a treat. Why don't we eat and then we can discuss how you can cut another hour or two before dawn, hmm?"

She picked up her fork as he started to speak and with his question, she speared it hard into the chicken in her frustration. She growled beneath her breath and grimaced at the thought of what Vincent might have her do to ‘earn’ those two hours. She took a deep breath before she decided to respond.

“Very well, what do you have in mind Vincent?” She spoke with clear precision, in an almost professional tone of voice.

Sienna picked up her knife and cut into the chicken with unnecessary viciousness and force. When she lifted the fork to her mouth, she couldn’t help the natural daintiness with which she held it though she tried to look angry as she swallowed the bite. Soon enough she placed her utensils down and took up her wine; draining the glass.

 

[deevo]

Vincent

Vincent had to admit that Sienna had great taste. The restaurant's décor might have looked gaudy, but they did serve quite exquisite food. Even if his dinner companion wanted to stab him with her salad fork, he was enjoying the meal.

He was also enjoying Sienna's little fit of anger, carving away at her chicken and no doubt pretending it was him. But even in her rage she couldn't hide the lady that she truly was, the charming creature that so gripped him. He savoured his meal and the sight of her working through her food as quickly as possible.

“Very well, what do you have in mind Vincent?," she said. Her tone of voice was interesting. She was doing her best to appear emotionally detached - cool, calm and collected in the face of his demands. But Vincent knew better than to believe she was truly happy with this new arrangement. Sienna was simply adapting to the situation as best she could - and that, in Vincent's eyes, was the first path to his victory.

"Well, you seem a little queasy about helping me indulge my passion for philosophy majors, so how about simply doing me the pleasure of your company for a little longer?," he replied. "We'll go to a club for an hour or two, have a few drinks, then you'll be back at home in plenty of time to give your boyfriend a flea bath." Vincent sipped his wine and noticed Sienna was quickly draining her glass. He poured her another and muttered, "It's a wonderful wine, but don't drink too much - you don't want to get drunk and do something you'll regret." If he was completely honest he wouldn't mind her getting that drunk, but it was still too early to believe he could push her that far. Let her stay relatively sober and have her walk willingly down that path.

 

[monique_minx]

"Well, you seem a little queasy about helping me indulge my passion for philosophy majors, so how about simply doing me the pleasure of your company for a little longer? We'll go to a club for an hour or two, have a few drinks, then you'll be back at home in plenty of time to give your boyfriend a flea bath."

Sienna scowled but inside she was in turmoil over that, it actually hurt her more than she realized to hear such vicious words about Robert. She merely inclined her head and swallowed her feelings.

"Fine, I don't see how this night could be made much worse by that..." She said in a rather clinical tone of voice with just a sliver of venom etched into it.

"It's a wonderful wine, but don't drink too much - you don't want to get drunk and do something you'll regret."

"I'm certain my well being concerning that doesn't really matter much to you Vincent." She snapped at him, the anger in her emotionless tone was evident and she slumped, looking away from him.

"Shall we go then? Or do you have more bullshit for me to endure here yet?" She said in an absent minded voice, refusing to look at him as her face flushed red at the thought of what Vincent might have in mind for this club and she prayed it was far from where she worked.

 

[deevo]

Vincent

"Shall we go then? Or do you have more bullshit for me to endure here yet?"

"You don't want dessert?," asked Vincent with a grin. He watched Sienna turn red and decided it was as good a time to ask for the cheque as any.

Truth be told, Vincent would have happily forced Sienna to lure the young waitress home with him. He wasn't sure if he would have had Sienna watch what he did to the girl or just told her, leaving Sienna with her own imagination to fill in the blanks. Either way would have been quite satisfying. But why go so far, so soon? Better to build up to such things, to draw Sienna closer into his circle. If he played his cards right, she might actually end up enjoying doing such things for him. Even if he couldn't have her, he could make use of her charms. He could even tempt her with promises of time with Robert. A magic hour or so for the lovers to lay together before one returned to their animal form.

Oh, but that would only twist the knife further, surely? Yes, thought Vincent with a smile, it would.

He paid the bill, of course, leaving a healthy tip for the waiter - payment for the entertainment he provided. He gave the waitress one more award-winning smile before they left the restaurant. Vincent's car drove up and his driver quickly stepped out, opening the back door. Vincent looked to Sienna and motioned towards the limousine.

"After you," he said. "Don't worry, I'll keep my hands to myself. I just feel like we should arrive at the club in style."

 

[deevo]

Robert

It was a lot warmer in the den than outside. He was definitely going to spend more time around it, and head further afield only as and when he needed to hunt. After all, with just him and his female, he had to make sure the den was safe. The last thing he wanted was for another pack to intrude.

He couldn't help but feel there were plenty of rivals for his strange-looking female. So it was important to look and act his best. He was pleased with the gloss of his coarse fur, and felt certain that she was quite impressed. He wondered where she had gone. He hadn't fully understood everything she said, but he could sense the unease in her voice. He really should have gone with her, but then who would look after the den? He lay on his stomach and patiently awaited her return. He was certain she was fine, even if the hairs on the back of his head bristled.

 

[monique_minx]

Sienna was rather glad that Vincent finally said they could leave, she’d never felt more under scrutiny in her entire life than she had sitting across from him inside that restaurant. Her thoughts crossed to Robert as they exited and as Vincent smiled at the waitress who basically turned to jelly at the sight; she considered the simpler things that she missed doing with Robert.

Just a walk down the path and around the woodlands near their home, they used to do that a lot together; listening to the beautiful sounds of nature and trying to guess which bird made what call. She missed his smile even more, he rarely smiled anymore and she was much the same. It was agonizing to see him so sad all the time and she was no better off really.

Her heart ached as she thought of all the amazing things they might have done together in the last two months. That now they might even be engaged had Vincent’s spell not interfered…had Vincent not interfered. She snapped from her depressing thoughts as the limousine pulled up and Vincent opened the door for her in some gentlemanly fashion. Sienna hesitated; she knew getting in meant that she had to rely on Vincent to bring her back here so that she could get her own car, it also meant that she couldn’t just leave anytime she wanted to.

"After you. Don't worry, I'll keep my hands to myself. I just feel like we should arrive at the club in style."

She sighed softly and resigned herself to the fact that she had to do what Vincent wanted in order to get what she wanted. She gathered up the skirt of her dress and slid into the vehicle gracefully, sliding to the far side of the car because she had no desire to be sitting so close to Vincent. When he got into the car, her eyes were purposefully averted to the window and she stared out of it intently but the scenery was truly lost on her. Sienna’s thoughts were elsewhere rather than on the trees, housing and industrial complexes outside that pane of glass.

 

[deevo]

Vincent

Vincent watched the city drift past his window, occasionally glancing at Sienna, who was doing likewise. The journey was largely silent; he didn't have much to say after their dinner conversation, and he was rather enjoying the view as they drove towards the club. The night was cool and clear, full of revellers enjoying all the dark treats on offer.

As they drew nearer to their destination his heart began to beat a little faster. It was something of a risk, taking her there. Still, without transport her only option was to get a cab back to the restaurant - not easy at this time of night. He wouldn't keep her too long; the Sun was going to rise eventually, and Vincent wasn't eager to watch her painful transformation. Some things, after all, were beyond what even he could stomach.

The car came to a stop outside a tall grey building in one of the older parts of town. The deep pulse of drums and bass could be heard from the street as people milled around the door, smoking cigarettes or chatting quietly among themselves. It was a varied collection - punks, goths, men and women dressed in classic military uniform bought from some army surplus store. All dress up and nowhere to go - well, one place to go.

Vincent led the way to the main door. A tall, slim transvestite in a tight red PVC dress and flame-coloured hair to match stood at the entrance, a clipboard in her hands.

"Vincent!," she declared, theatrically throwing her arms into the air. "How are you, my love?"

"All the better for seeing you, Yolanda," said Vincent with a grin.

"Oh, you always know what to say to a girl," Yolanda replied, arching an eyebrow. She noticed Sienna and looked her up and down before asking, "A new playmate?"

Vincent shook his head and said, "Just a friend. I think she just likes to watch."

"They all like to just watch at first," said Yolanda with a sly grin. "We'll see how long that lasts, eh?"

Yolanda pulled back a red velvet rope and Vincent casually stepped into the club, motioning for Sienna to join him. Industrial music pounded through his ears as he looked upon the scene. In here the costumes took a decidedly darker turn - tight, revealing and usually black. Men and women danced in cages hanging from the ceiling as patrons gazed up at them, admiring their perfect forms. Just past the bar, thick double doors led to another room - not quite as large, certainly not as brightly lit and probably not for Sienna's innocent eyes just yet. Vincent turned and looked at her.

"A little cliché, I know, but I like the place," he said. "Care for a drink?" He offered his hand, looking for the shortest path through the crowd towards the bar.

 

[monique_minx]

Sienna grew more and more nervous with her surroundings as the limousine finally pulled up outside what looked to be a club but she did not recognize it at all. She swallowed her jumpy butterflies and stepped out of the car however; at the sight of the woman? Sienna was having second thoughts and wanting to back away very quickly!

Sienna listened to their exchange with a little confusion and she truly did not like the word ‘playmate’ coming from the lips of this ‘woman’. Especially not when it was directed at her…

Sienna reluctantly entered the club with Vincent though everything was telling her to pull away, to run away and as fast as she damn well could! C’s eyes lifted to the ceiling and she was in shock at the sight of the cages; she’d never been in a club like this before! Only when Vincent spoke up did she look at him again, disbelieving he had brought her to such a place…though Vincent was doing all he could to humiliate her this evening so this was just another twisted idea.

"A little cliché, I know, but I like the place. Care for a drink?"

Sienna nodded mutely, a blank expression on her face as though she was in utter shock of the scene around her and she merely followed Vincent to the bar, trying to get a grip on herself as they walked. Don’t let him get to you like this damn it! He’s wants you to freak, he’s trying to shock you and you’re making it way too fucking easy C! Just get that look off your face and take a breath, act like you are absolutely fine with it.

She swallowed and blinked, clearing from her shock as they approached the bar and she said to Vincent in regards to what she wanted to drink, “Anything, I don’t care…”

Truly she was really just trying to act as though she still wanted to get away from Vincent but that where they were wasn’t bothering her. In fact, that part was bothering her more than anything and now she was honestly glad that she had not given into Vincent yet. Now she had another reason to hold onto Robert tightly cause God only knew what Vincent would have her do if she said yes to him…

 

[deevo]

Vincent

Vincent leaned over the bar and said to the bartender, "Jack and Coke for myself and the lady." He glanced at Sienna, trying hard to hide her shock, and with a grin added, "Better make hers a double."

As the bartender made their drinks, Vincent stood with his back to the bar, watching the scene unfold before him. He took another look at Sienna and shook his head.

"I'm not surprised if you're a little shocked," he said. "Actually, that's not true; I always figured Robert was pretty vanilla, but that you had your dark side. Maybe I was wrong, but there's still no need to be so disgusted, Sienna." He waved a finger left and right, pointing aimlessly at the crowd.

"These people are the most honest on Earth," he continued. "They don't hide who they are; they don't hide the beast that lurks inside all men and women. They're not trying to shock and it isn't for show. The people here simply are what they are. And they come here because most people don't understand them, are too scared to understand them. Outside these walls they are bound by society's morals and ethics, firmly rigid unless you've got the cash to play in private. These people refuse to lock themselves inside a socially acceptable lie." He turned and picked up his glass.

"And for that," said Vincent, raising his drink, "I salute them." He swallowed a mouthful and sighed, setting the drink back down. He looked at Sienna and smiled, a warmer smile than he'd given her all night.

"You think the people here are perverse or sick," he said. "But have you noticed not one of them looks at you like a piece of meat? They're intrigued by you, Sienna. They want to know what makes you tick - as do I."

Just then a large man dressed in a long leather coat ambled through the crowd. Behind him, led by a small silver chain, was a young woman in her early twenties with short red hair, her head bowed as she stared at the ground. The man was solidly built but not muscular, his hair cut short and he had a smart beard of dark hair. Wisps of grey peppered his temples, but he looked younger then his years.

"Vincent!," he exclaimed, offering his hand. Vincent took it and shook firmly.

"Edward," he replied. "Surprised to see you here. Who is that?"

"She came to me, begging for my training," said Edward.

"And?"

Edward rolled his eyes and said, "A work in progress, but we'll see how much work tonight. Care to come watch?"

"You know I love to watch you work, Edward," said Vincent. "But my associate might not." He cocked his head towards Sienna and the older man nodded.

"You know where to find me if you change your mind," he replied before turning away, leading the woman towards the doors on the other side of the bar. Vincent shrugged his shoulders and picked up his drink.

"Don't let him intimidate you, Sienna. He may start thinking you're a sub."

 

[monique_minx]

"I'm not surprised if you're a little shocked. Actually, that's not true; I always figured Robert was pretty vanilla, but that you had your dark side. Maybe I was wrong, but there's still no need to be so disgusted, Sienna."

In truth she was mostly just shocked that Vincent had brought her to such a place, she might have been more than just intrigued if Robert had thought to bring her here. She hid her shame rather well; embarrassed by the fact that she was slyly looking around at everything the club offered and wondering what was behind the double doors.

"These people are the most honest on Earth. They don't hide who they are; they don't hide the beast that lurks inside all men and women. They're not trying to shock and it isn't for show. The people here simply are what they are. And they come here because most people don't understand them, are too scared to understand them. Outside these walls they are bound by society's morals and ethics, firmly rigid unless you've got the cash to play in private. These people refuse to lock themselves inside a socially acceptable lie."

Sienna nodded, trying to understand his meaning though she was rather curious, she was far too shy to say anything not to mention the fact that she wouldn’t share such a thing with Vincent in the first place!

"You think the people here are perverse or sick. But have you noticed not one of them looks at you like a piece of meat? They're intrigued by you, Sienna. They want to know what makes you tick - as do I."

She looked away and picked up her drink, sipping from it to save herself the trouble of answering him or letting him see the red glow in her cheeks. In the pit of her stomach; she felt the clock counting down and she knew Vincent would have to do some kind of spell or ritual or something to cut her time down. So time was even shorter than before. Sienna watched as Vincent and this Edward man interacted and at the sight of the young female on a leash; Sienna stepped back.

She wondered what they meant by watching the other work and looked on as Edward and his companion disappeared beyond those mysterious doors. She turned back to Vincent and blushed deeply as he spoke.

"Don't let him intimidate you, Sienna. He may start thinking you're a sub."

She didn’t know what he meant but she had a feeling it had something to do with that girl on a leash, she shot Vincent a curious look in spite of herself.

“A sub? What’s that?” She shook her head confusedly.

 

[deevo]

Vincent

“A sub? What’s that?”

Vincent couldn't help but give a little smirk at her confusion. He picked up his drink and sipped it before looking back at her with a smile.

"A submissive," he said. "One who submits to the will of another, to put it in its simplest terms. Knowing you as I do, Sienna, I can't help but feel that's not what you are, though. Still, I do know how you like to please the ones you care about. Maybe you're a switch, like Yolanda outside!" He laughed at that; he couldn't say why he found it so funny, but the idea of Sienna, dressed head to toe in leather with a flogger in her hand, dealing out a little pain to some unworthy sub, made him chuckle.

Maybe Sienna was just too nice for that sort of thing, and that's why he found it so humorous. He couldn't imagine her and Robert engaging in such activities. Robert seemed like such a bore, but that wolf inside him told Vincent that there was a darkness to him. It made sense that Sienna's feline inner-self would attract her to the dark. He noticed she would occasionally glance to the doors leading into the second room. But while the kitty might be curious, he wondered if she was really prepared to walk any further from the light. Vincent glanced at his watch.

"I suppose you'll want to get home soon, make sure Robert has been a good boy," he said. "We can always watch Edward work, but if you'd prefer I can have my car brought round."

 

[monique_minx]

"A submissive. One who submits to the will of another, to put it in its simplest terms. Knowing you as I do, Sienna, I can't help but feel that's not what you are, though. Still, I do know how you like to please the ones you care about. Maybe you're a switch, like Yolanda outside!"

Sienna understood when he said submissive however the word switch was utterly lost on her and therefore she blushed brightly and scowled as Vincent laughed. It figured he’d find her uncomfortable and unknowing nature funny.

"I suppose you'll want to get home soon, make sure Robert has been a good boy. We can always watch Edward work, but if you'd prefer I can have my car brought round."

Once again Sienna’s eyes found the doors and she was near dying of curiosity to know exactly what Vincent was talking about but the mention of Robert snapped her back; she had to get home to him. She glared and folded her arms as she realized what Vincent had said.

“I wish you wouldn’t make such…derogatory remarks about Robert! He’s twice the man you are Vincent…and you’re right…he’s the man I need to get home to.” She finished coldly with slight menace in her tone as she meant to sting him in just the right way; the way he’d been stinging her all night.

She finished the contents of her drink and set the glass down on the bar. Without so much as a backwards glance at Vincent or the double doors; Sienna headed out of the club. She was curious and freely admitted at least that much to herself but as she saw it; she’d be damned if she told Vincent any of that!

 

[deevo]

Vincent

Vincent scowled as he watched Sienna walk away. She could be so frustrating, but it was part of her charm, he supposed. But he wished she wouldn't take things so personally all the time. He was having a little fun, after all, and she didn't need to get upset at every turn. He sighed and followed behind her until they were back out on the street. His car arrived quickly and soon they were heading back to the restaurant.

"Well, despite our disagreements, I've had an entertaining night," he said as the car came to a stop. "I'll reduce the time, don't worry. We'll say... thirty minutes. But I can make it thirty seconds, if you're willing to join me again. You can call any time, but I'm sure you know where you can find me, regardless."

He didn't wait for a response, his car moving off and leaving Sienna in front of the restaurant. He couldn't measure her gratitude, but it didn't matter. He had piqued some interest in her, and he could use it to his advantage.

 

[monique_minx]

Sienna was silent on the drive back to the restaurant and quite grateful it was short; for some odd reason she was feeling guilty for taking a stab at Vincent and couldn’t quite figure out why. She got out of the car quickly when it stopped; turning to speak to Vincent only he beat her to it.

"Well, despite our disagreements, I've had an entertaining night, I'll reduce the time, don't worry. We'll say... thirty minutes. But I can make it thirty seconds, if you're willing to join me again. You can call any time, but I'm sure you know where you can find me, regardless."

Before Sienna could respond Vincent was long gone and she sighed, turning on her heel. Thirty minutes of transformation was still a lot longer than the few minutes it had been before but infinitely shorter than the three hours so she would take what she could get. She made her way to her little car and got in, driving out of the restaurant hastily and hoping she never had to go back there again.

Halfway home however; her car started to splutter along a windy road surrounded by woodlands and she pulled over, popping the hood quickly. She tried to pull the radiator cap off and pulled her hand back with a hiss, a red mark spread quickly indicating she had burnt herself.

“Oh no, no, no, no, no! Not now, please not now! I have to get home!” Sienna rushed to her car and found a rag to get the cap off; it soon became clear that the engine had overheated due to lack of water.

“Oh fuck me!” She kicked the grill knowing she had no water to put in it, “Perfect! I have an hour to get home damn it!”

Sienna quickly went around to get her purse, fishing her cell phone out and flipping it open. It became apparent however after walking up and down, holding it low and high, shifting it from side to side that Sienna was never going to get any signal.

“Damn it! Damn it…” She slid down onto the gravel and started crying, time was running out for Sienna.

 

[deevo]

Robert

He was starting to feel restless. He wasn't sure what it was causing that feeling, but something deep down had him on edge. A whisper in the back of his mind caused him to pace the floor again and again.

He had the strange feeling that he had to get out. Try as he might, though, there was no way to open the door. He growled, then whimpered.

She wasn't back yet. Well, she was capable - she was the alpha female, after all. But he still felt some unease about it. Why was it so important for her to be back soon? He was having a difficult time piecing the fragments together. It was another memory that belonged to him and yet did not.

To the East the night sky was beginning to give way to a pale haze. He worried even more now. He was incredibly worried about the rising of the Sun, even if he couldn't fully understand why.

 

[deevo]

Vincent

Vincent couldn't sleep, and all the bourbon in the world wasn't going to change that. He swirled the drink in his hand as gazed out the window of his bedroom. It had been a good night, he felt. He couldn't help but feel he had discovered something new about Sienna, something intriguing. Perhaps even something he could use.

He had considered going back to the club after dropping her off at the restaurant, or maybe just looking for a girl to bring home, but he wasn't really in the mood. That in itself was strange - he did not like sleeping alone. But he was too busy pondering Sienna's reaction to the club. Would she ask him to take her there again? Would she go by herself, perhaps?

Time passed and still he sat, his glass drained but his mind still running. It would be dawn soon and Sienna would endure for thirty minutes exactly. She would endure thirty minutes of pain and be grateful that it wasn't three hours. He would win her gratitude and perhaps, in time, he would win her completely.

 

[monique_minx]

Sienna sat in the gravel and cried herself out, it didn’t really help her situation but it did make her feel better to release some of her pent up emotions. As the first rays of the sun started to show themselves in the sky; Sienna doubled over where she sat as her ribs contracted quickly.

“Half an hour Vincent…” She murmured realizing he’d kept his word and she was about to change…over the next thirty minutes.

Sienna gasped and clawed her way up the car as her skin started tickling; twinging with the fur that would soon sprout from it. She grabbed her car keys and locked her little yellow bug before she took them and placed them in the hollow of a tree. Sienna stumbled back to the car and shut the hood, praying her car wouldn’t get towed but knowing she had no choice.

Her bones started to shrink and her eyes became slits; Sienna screamed into the dawn with her transformation. She was frustrated and upset rather than suffering any extreme pain for a change.

Sienna meowed and slipped from the clothing that seemed huge around her furry body; she mewed for her Tomcat. The little black kitty frowned and looked around; her tail swaying nervously as she tried to discern her location. Nothing was familiar!

She meowed again and started to wander aimlessly down the road, wondering if she was even heading in the direction of home. She passed a few signs, looking up and meowing as though she was hoping they’d tell her where to find Robert.

Her head hung low as she kept walking, knowing only to stay close to the road and hoping he would just come out of nowhere to scoop her up. She mewed softly thinking of him scratching behind her ears and running his big hands over her back; it was almost as if she was calling his name as she wandered down the lengthy stretch of bitumen.

 

[deevo]

Robert/Vincent

Where was she!?

He paced back and forth across the floor, then ran towards the front door and scratched chunks out of it, but to no avail. He was already beginning to feel weak, that uncomfortable knot in the pit of her stomach causing him to whine pitifully. But it meant little to him at that moment; all that mattered was that the Sun was rising and she was not here.

He collapsed at the door, clawing at the air and snarling as he bones cracks and his skin stretched. It was agony, of course, but Sienna's absence played far more worrisome on his mind. He gave one last howl of pain and momentarily blacked out.

When he came to, Robert looked slowly around him, vainly hoping that maybe he was wrong. Maybe he simply hadn't noticed her return. For all he knew, she might have rushed back just as he was changing, the blinding pain preventing him from seeing her. But he knew, for all his hopes, that none of this was true. Robert staggered to his feet and stared at his hands. Large splinters stuck out from his fingers and palms and the signs of his escape attempt were scattered on the floor. It was morning; he was human. Which meant Sienna was now a cat.

He had to find her.

This was much easier said than done. It took him far longer to dress than he had hoped, his body aching and exhausted. But there was no time to sleep. Sienna was out there in her feline form and God only knows what could have happened to her. Where did she go, anyway? He racked his brain for something from last night. As he climbed into his Jeep he tried to replay anything significant from the last twelve hours.

There was no point simply driving around - there were numerous routes by which Sienna could have returned home and Robert didn't know if she'd even gotten that far. She didn't have work, so what took her out last night? He knew this; he had to know this. Think, Robert, think...

And then he remembered a phone call. Sienna had seemed upset and angry. Then Robert remembered seeing her in a dress, saying goodbye to him and leaving. Where had she gone?

Vincent.

Of course! He had asked to meet her, right? And what happened? Had she simply lost track of time? Was she still with Vincent? Had she...?

No. Don't think like that. She wouldn't. But was she still with him? Had Vincent forced her to stay with him? Maybe that sick bastard wanted to watch her transform. It wouldn't have surprised Robert at all; Vincent was a sadist a psychopath. But even if Sienna wasn't with him, he might know where to look. As much as it sickened Robert to visit the one person he detested more than anyone else, for Sienna's sake he would.

Vincent ran a small empire from an office in the downtown Soho district. It was here among the hipsters, artists, party girls and freaks that he felt most at home. At night he could be his true self, but during daylight hours this was as good as it gets.

He heard Robert before he saw him, arguing loudly with Vincent's secretary.

"I'm sorry, sir," she said curtly. "Nobody sees Mr Reeves without an appointment."

"He'll make time for this," said Robert.

"Let him in, Rose," called Vincent, straightening his tie. Robert walked into the office in what Vincent liked to call "John Wayne mode" - plaid shirt, work jeans, big boots.

"Robert, what a pleasant surprise," said Vincent. "You look like shit."

"I've been having some problems recently," said Robert with a grimace. "Sometimes it feels like my body isn't even my own."

"I'd suggest visiting a good doctor."

"Maybe a good witch doctor." It took all of Robert's restraint to keep himself from leaping over the desk and choking the life out of Vincent. The other man knew this, too; perhaps he was even impressed.

"What do you want?," asked Vincent, sitting back in his chair.

"Sienna didn't come home last night," said Robert.

"No?," replied Vincent.

"Where is she?"

Vincent crossed his arms and asked, "Why would I know where she is?"

"I know she met you last night," said Robert. "What happened?"

"You know that, eh?," said Vincent. "Perhaps you're finally getting a hold on your animal side. That should prevent any more nasty accidents - unless, of course, Sienna starts 'falling down the stairs.'"

"What happened that night happened because of your curse, Vincent!," replied Robert angrily. Vincent slowly rose to his feet and ambled towards a drinks cabinet on the other side of the office.

"You can blame that if you want, Robert," he said, pouring himself a glass of gin and tonic. "But you know what the truth is. You've always had that wolf inside you. You're a hunter who marks his territory - and his prey."

"So now I want to eat Sienna?," scoffed Robert.

"I think we all want to eat Sienna," muttered Vincent with a grin. As he finished preparing his drink and took a sip, Robert's attention was caught by a shelf of books by the door. There, among the weighty tomes, was a title he recognised. Before he could examine it, however, Vincent had already turned around and was walking back to his desk.

"I mean that there's a savagery in you, Robert," he continued. "And I think it's something Sienna likes, for better or for worse. But you simply can't control it, so you end up breaking - or in this case, losing - the things you hold dear."

"Maybe that's why Sienna chose me over you," said Robert, stepping closer to the desk. "You see her as a thing, something to possess. I see her as a person."

"That's very romantic," replied Vincent, returning to his glass.

"So, what happened last night?," asked Robert.

Vincent shrugged his shoulders and said, "We had dinner and a few drinks at a club. The last time I saw her I had dropped her off at her car, safe and sound. I don't know what happened to her after that."

"Well, thank you for wasting my time," said Robert, turning to the door. But before he could leave Vincent called his name. Robert looked back and snarled, "What?"

"You might not believe it, but I am concerned about her, too," said Vincent. "I'll help you look for her - as soon as I've finished my drink."

 

[monique_minx]

OOC: Hey sorry I had to leave half the post unfortunately so I edited and added to it! PM me if it's problematic!

The cat walked for hours as the sun grew higher and turned around to see the car a mere speck in the distance along the straight road. She turned to look ahead of her as two strong hands clamped around her abdomen and she screeched in surprise, swiping in terror.

“Hey, hey, hey kitty! Easy with the claws alright?!” A man’s smooth voice reached her pricked ears and finally he twisted her in his grip so that she might look on his face.

“Aren’t you pretty? I’ll bet someone is looking for you, you sure don’t seem like a feral cat…though I don’t know about those claws.” He chuckled, his face was sprinkled with a light stubble and he seemed to be fairly young.

“You know though, my fiancé would just love you…could be a nice surprise…” He started carrying her towards his faded red truck and Sienna began to mew in fear and protest; wondering where he would take her and unsure if she should leave this stretch of road which might be the only way her tomcat would find her.

He opened the back double panel doors of his truck and slipped Sienna into a small metal cage, locking it behind her. She started to meow louder; screeching in protest until she was shut in the darkness. The young man walked around his vehicle and jumped back into the driver’s seat, scratching his head about the little black cat who was walking aimlessly down the otherwise deserted road.

He shrugged and started his engine, the faded lettering down the side of the truck read; Doctor George Whish: Veterinarian. He drove further down the road but not two kilometres from where he’d found the small black cat did he discover a yellow bug abandoned at the side of the road.

“Weird day…” He muttered and sighed as he pulled over to see if anyone was around.

He noticed the locked windows, a handbag in obvious sight on the driver’s seat made him frown but George shrugged and was about to get back in his truck when he noticed the dress and heels lying on the ground.

George whistled and picked it up, disbelieving that any woman would discard such an outfit. He stuck it under the back wheel of the car just in case whoever she was returned for her car and clothing.

He laughed softly, “Probably just some young couple who couldn’t wait…” George shook his head and wrapped his business card in her dress with a small offer of help if she called him. Though he suddenly wondered where her underwear had gone, twisting as though he expected to see either a half naked or completely naked woman at any moment.

George knew it was risky business to leave his card but he was small town and it was good advertising even if she didn’t have a pet; the stories she’d tell her friends would be worth their weight in gold. Besides, he could use the money at this point. He jumped back into the cab of his truck and took off again; speeding Sienna off to God knows where as the sun got higher and higher in the sky. He fished his phone out of the glove compartment and start dialling as he drove, pressing it to his ear as it rang.

"Hey honey. Yes, yes I'm on my way home! What?" There was a pause and George smiled, "You tell my boy to stop playing with rodents and help his mother out. I'll be home shortly baby, got a surprise for you and Tommy..." George laughed as he listened, "No forget it Jess, I ain't telling you what it is! I love you, bye."

George shook his head with a grin and slipped the phone back into the glove box. Placing both hands on the wheel as he heard the cat practically screaming in the back and he groaned, hoping she would calm down or else Jessica would have issues about keeping a whining animal.

 

[deevo]

Robert/Vincent

Robert had had to watch Vincent slowly sip his drink for a full five minutes before he was finally ready to leave. Wasn't he in the least bit concerned about Sienna's safety? It was a rhetorical question; as far as Robert could see, Vincent considered the world a playground and the people in merely toys. Once he was finished with one, he could easily toss it aside and pick up another. The son of a bitch had probably only strung them along for so many months because their reactions were so damn satisfying.

What made things doubly hard was the book sitting on a shelf not far away. Robert had to force himself not to keep looking at it, lest it raise Vincent's curiosity. It had to be the same book Robert had in his study, containing the closest thing he'd found yet to a transformation curse like the one he and Sienna suffered. It was a safe bet that Vincent had used that curse - perhaps his version was in a better condition and held the pages on lifting it? Robert had to know, but he couldn't yet. If, however, he could get into the office without Vincent's knowledge...

"Something on your mind?"

Robert's thoughts were interrupted by Vincent, sitting in the passenger seat of the Jeep. Robert had insisted they travel together. He still wasn't sure how much Vincent knew about Sienna's disappearance; this could have all been leading to a trap.

"I'm worried about Sienna," he replied - which was true, but it wasn't his only worry.

"The little kitty's stronger than she looks," said Vincent.

"Strange you'd be attracted to her, then," said Robert. "I thought you liked your women weak and feeble?"

"I also like a challenge," said Vincent with the kind of grin that just asked to be slapped off. But Robert held himself in check - for Sienna's sake, and because he could bide his time. Eventually Vincent would make a mistake, and when he did Robert would be there to watch the axe drop.

They followed a narrow road that lead them through a forest; it was the fastest way home from the restaurant and if any clues could be found, that road was the best place to start looking. It didn't take them long to come across Sienna's car parked at the side of the road. Robert brought the Jeep to a halt and they both jumped out.

"So what's the plan now?," asked Vincent.

"Now we look," said Robert. The midday sun was shining above them; Robert knew time would be short, but with any luck Sienna wasn't far from the car. He frowned when he realised she hadn't stayed with the car, but in her animal state, in a strange place like this, fear might have gotten the better of her. They began to call her name, hoping in vain that she might appear out of the scrub.

"This is ridiculous," muttered Vincent.

"Ridiculous is an understatement," snapped Robert. "But if you're tired you're free to walk back to town." Vincent rolled his eyes and ambled around the car when something caught his eye.

"Hello...," he said, reaching under the back wheel. He stood and held up Sienna's dress, which unfurled and swayed slightly in the breeze. He tossed it to Robert and quipped, "Maybe you can get her scent."

"Why don't you go slither through the mud for while and see if she's hiding?," replied Robert, holding the dress gently in his hands. Despite Vincent's cruel joke, Robert could smell her perfume and the natural scent of her skin, causing him to sigh.

As Robert turned away, clutching the dress and gazing out at the forest, Vincent glanced down and saw a small card on the ground. He picked it up quickly, glancing at the name, and tried to supress a smile.

A vet - of all the people who could have come along. But why leave his card here? The most obvious answer was that he had taken something belonging to Sienna - maybe Sienna herself! Vincent slipped the card into his pocket; this was something worth investigating.

"Robert, she's not here," he said. "And while you might have no trouble looking like a fool, I'm not used to it. So can we go?"

"Go where?," said Robert angrily. "We need to find her, you son of a bitch!"

"Well, we're not going to find her alone!," snapped Vincent. "Let's go back to my office - I can call a few people and we decide what to do next."

Robert hesitated for a moment before slowly nodding his head. The bastard had a point - wandering aimlessly up and down this road wasn't going to get them anywhere. He hated the idea of Sienna out there on her own, but what more could he do? He walked dejectedly back to the Jeep, folding the dress carefully and setting it inside, before climbing into the driver's seat. Vincent joined him and they turned back towards town.

 

[monique_minx]

Sienna screamed and mewed in the back of the truck for the entire drive, George didn’t dare pull the cat out of the cage in such a state. He opened the back doors and let her see the outside of the suffocating four walls and waited until she had calmed enough to take interest in the new surroundings. Doctor Whish soothed her with some soft spoken words and soon enough he was able to take her from the cage without fear of getting his eyes scratched out.

He carried the black cat inside a rather nice looking suburban home and called out, “Jess honey? I’m home!”

A young woman entered the room carrying a freshly bathed three year old boy, she set him down with a reproving look at her fiancé and the raven kitty in his arms.

“Surprise!” He grinned at her, Sienna’s bright blue eyes startling the woman a little.

“George…a cat? You bought her?” She asked warily.

“No…” Sienna didn’t get to hear the rest of the conversation because at that moment George chose to put her on the ground in front of the little boy named Tommy.

Tommy pet her slowly, she restrained herself from swiping at him by silently reminding herself that he was a child - how she recognized that was beyond her. Thomas pressed hard down her back and made her mew softly, arching beneath the pressure in his hand. She soon shook him and proceeded to plod into the kitchen, sniffing and exploring her surroundings.

Tommy made a noise and burbled, wandering over to her on shaky stubby little legs with something clutched in his hands. Sienna twisted and observed the child with a cautious gaze, her stance relaxed a little as he approached her.

“Kitty want Tooie?” The child asked of the ebony feline who had a momentary look of confusion on her furry face.

“Here cat meet rat!” Tommy giggled gleefully and presented Sienna with a large live rat.

Three things happened at once, the first was Jessica noticing her son holding his pet rodent out to a cat and screeching, “Tommy no!”

The second was the rat frozen in terror before Sienna’s eyes and the third was every single hair on her shiny coat standing on end as she hissed at the rodent. A normal cat might have pounced as the feline instinct was whispering to her but the human beneath all of the fur was screaming ‘run’!

So the black cat ran from the rat known as ‘Tooie’ and little Thomas burst into tears as his mother scooped the rat and her son into her arms with a glare for George.
Jessica carried them both off and muttered quietly to George as she passed him, “Get rid of that damn cat!”

George sighed and went looking for Sienna, finding her crouched in fear under the lounge chair, he coaxed her out gently whilst he wondered what kind of cat was afraid of a rodent?!

The next thing poor Sienna knew; she was back in the cage, in the dark and screaming her little feline lungs out all over again…